Northolt boxer Sameenah Toussaint is in no doubt that she has the fight and drive to make it to the top.

The 16-year-old packs a punch both in and out of the ring in a nascent career that has already seen her overcome plenty of disappointment and setbacks.

But the Harefield Academy student believes that can only be a good thing in her bid for the top – determined to let nothing get in her way of Olympic ambitions.

“I’ve been on the England team since I was about 12 or 13 but I didn’t get selected for the Europeans a couple of years back,” explained the Northolt ABC fighter.

“I don’t know why I wasn’t selected and I got a bit disheartened but I had to pick myself up and keep going.

I just had to think, everything happens for a reason. I’m aiming for that one goal and whatever route and journey I have to take it’s going to be worth it in the end.

“A few months ago I went to Russia for the European Championships and I got a bronze. Since then it’s been a little slow but when opportunities arise I will take them.

“That was my first major championship, in a foreign country, with different people, surroundings, cultures and food – it was great. I wanted to come back with a medal and that’s what I did.

“I want to go to the Olympics, 2024 or 2028 I don’t mind and then there’s European Championships and Commonwealths along the way.

“You have to be driven to get something done.”

Toussaint was speaking at a SportsAid workshop being hosted by the Mayor of London’s office, which is supporting over 75 athletes from in and around the London region, at the London Stadium.

SportsAid helps the most promising young British athletes by providing them with financial support, recognition and personal development opportunities.

The haul of up-and-coming athletes, covering all the London boroughs, from more than 30 sports are receiving £1,000 awards to help with their training and competition costs as they bid to become the country’s next generation of sporting heroes.

The awards, distributed through SportsAid, will see athletes recognise their position as role models to others, and how their stories may help to increase community pride and engagement through inspiring people to take part in sport and physical activity.

SportsAid alumni Anthony Ogogo, Goldie Sayers and Leon Taylor, as well as Commonwealth gold medallist Ama Agbeze, were all on hand at the workshop to provide advice to the athletes.

And Sayers, an Olympic bronze medallist, said: “I was a recipient of the SportsAid award probably 20 years ago now and I kept the letter because it meant so much to me at the time.

“It’s the first recognition that people have seen what you’ve achieved and are supporting you along the way, so for me I like to give back to organisations that helped me in my career.

“The financial support is important but I think more than that, it’s just knowing that an organisation had recognised you as a young athlete with potential to be a senior international.”

The Mayor of London is working with SportsAid to provide financial support and personal development opportunities to talented young athletes from across the capital. Visit https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/sports/sport-unites/sportsaid to find out more.