Katie Taylor is arguably Ireland's most high profile medal prospect at the upcoming games in London with her boxing record speaking volumes about the depth of achievement in her athletic repertoire.

Born in Bray, County Wicklow, Taylor began breaking records at age 15, when on October 31 2001, she took part in Ireland's first officially sanctioned women’s bout ever to take place in the country, beating then 16 year old Alanna Audley of Belfast in the National Stadium in Dublin.

At age 18, she made Irish boxing history once more, becoming the first Irish woman to win a gold medal at the Senior European Boxing Championships, a feat which she would repeat three more times, most recently in China this May. Already a household name, Taylor will look to prove her status as the best female boxer in the world at the Olympic Games this summer.


What you may not know:

Taylor is a former Irish International Soccer player, and was offered numerous soccer scholarships in the states upon sitting her leaving Cert. St John’s University in NYC and Hofstra University in Long Island, NY were eager to have her compete as a student-athlete.

Taylor doesn't drink, proclaiming her lifestyle choices and role model status as being exceptionally important to her. She does however have a chocolate addiction, with Kinder Buenos being top of the list.

Taylor’s pre-fight routine consists of reading bible verses and listening to gospel music on her Ipod, she says her faith gives her strength and inspires her before getting in the ring.

In 2011, Taylor appeared in a Lucozade soft drink commercial with English Rapper Tinnie Tempa and American musician Travis Barker.

Her father and coach, Peter Taylor, was the 1986 Irish senior light heavyweight champion boxer and her mother is a boxing referee.

Honor Roll: