By Tom Harle

Late-blooming Borders boxer Megan Reid wants the nation to know that it’s never too late and to take inspiration from her path to the Commonwealth Games.

The Duns star first strapped on a pair of boxing gloves while in the British Army, meaning she was several years behind her rivals from the start.

Now Reid has climbed into the top five in the world and will represent Team Scotland at Birmingham 2022.

“A lot of people think that because they’ve not started something young, you can’t get where you want to be,” she said.

“I’ve proven that it can be done and there is no age limit on it.

“When I started believing in myself and realising that I could go far in a boxing career, that is when I got my head down and started training hard.

“I had never put on a pair of gloves before I was 23 and look where I am now.

“People shouldn’t be scared to get into it and give it everything they have got.”

With the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games set to inspire people and communities across the country this summer, Reid hopes sharing her story will give others motivation to get involved in sport and turn their dreams into reality.

Crowned Scottish champion for the first time in 2019, the Edinburgh-born boxer represented her country at the 2018 and 2019 World Championships.

She has served as captain of the Army Boxing Team and was the first elite female champion to come out of Leith Victoria Boxing Club.

Reid, who left Duns aged 16 to pursue a military career, extolled the virtues of her military background.

“Discipline has been the key for me,” said Reid. “Being in the Army teaches you the value of hard work, a lot of tough training sessions and not seeing your family.

“It all pays off in the end.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the Army. They’ve given me the support I’ve needed to go full-time and releasing me from work when I’ve needed it.

“If I didn’t have boxing, I don’t know what I would have done.”

The only female boxer representing Team Scotland, Reid has no shortage of role models when it comes to the highest level of the sport.

Lauren Price, who won Olympic gold for Team GB in Tokyo, and Katie Taylor have both progressed through the amateur game to lucrative professional careers.

“You look at Lauren, Katie, they’re up there with the best in the world,” said Reid.

“It’s great to see that it’s possible for women to be the biggest stars. It’s massively inspiring.”

This summer, Team Scotland, supported by funding raised by National Lottery players, will compromise of over 250 athletes, and having secured his/her place on the squad, Reid is looking to capitalise on the once in a lifetime opportunity for medal success for her home country.

“We all want a gold medal around our necks, but I just want to put in a good performance and enjoy it,” said Reid.

“They only come around every day four years and I’m just looking forward to it.”

National Lottery players raise more than £30million a week for good causes including vital funding into sport – from grassroots to elite. Find out how your numbers make amazing happen at: www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk and get involved by using the hashtag: #TNLAthletes.