Ipswich lecturer's Olympic boxing protégé sends emotional thank you from Paris

Ipswich resident, Simon Mullan, a 47-year-old welding lecturer at Suffolk New College, has coached boxer Lewis Richardson, 27, for 14 years.

Richardson, from Colchester, will compete in the 71kg category at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Why it matters: Behind nearly every sporting success is a story of huge personal sacrifice and dedication, not just from the athlete, but from family, friends, coaches, teachers and mentors. It's important that in moments like this, these people get the recognition they deserve.

How we got here: Richardson's journey to the Olympics has been challenging:

• He won a test event in Tokyo before Covid-19 disrupted the previous games

• His original 75kg weight category was eliminated, forcing him to lose 4kg to qualify

• Mullan supported him throughout these setbacks

What they're saying: Richardson sent Mullan a postcard from Paris, writing:

"To Simon -- we did it. Olympian forever. Just a quick message to thank you for supporting me -- from a boy to a man. I am very grateful. You have been far more than just a coach in boxing -- you have been my mother, a father, a friend, a physio, nutritionist and much much more. Always here. Olympics here we come."

Mullan's reaction: "That choked me up. When you get back from holiday you get the holiday blues -- then I saw the postcard -- and it was such a nice touch."

What's next:

• Mullan won't attend the Olympics, as he'll be refereeing the school's boxing European Championships in Bosnia

• He aims to referee at future Olympics

• Suffolk New College plans to invite Richardson to speak with students after the games

The bottom line: While Mullan can't be in Paris, he'll be cheering Richardson on from his home in Ipswich, hoping his protégé can bring home an Olympic medal. Ipswich needs more Simon Mullans.