It's gold or bust for boxer David Nyika at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
David Nyika (91kg) poses for a photo during the New Zealand Olympic Committee boxing announcement for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Photo: © Copyright Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz Photosport Ltd 2018
The 22-year-old has a back story of early success, followed by failure, and he has redemption and career extension on his mind.
Nyika won gold as an 18-year-old light heavyweight at the 2014 Games in Glasgow but missed out on selection for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
NZ heavyweight boxer David Nyika Photo: PHOTOSPORT
That disappointment was hard to bear, but Nyika, who's now competing in the heavyweight division, said those scars have made him mentally stronger.
"It was a humbling experience, after winning gold and then that, but I feel like I've matured a lot. I've taken a lot of bumps along the way and I'm a much more mature person because of it. I can take a lot of experience from those lessons and I've learnt a lot and I'm ready to bring it again. I'm much stronger mentally now, without a doubt. I'm rock solid."
So solid that a silver medal simply wouldn't cut the mustard.
"Absolutely not, we're going for gold again and I've got my eyes on the prize. I'm feeling strong, I'm feeling fit and I'm ranked in the top ten in the world at the moment. There are only one or two of my opponents here (Gold Coast) in the top ten, so I'm hoping that I'm looked upon as one of the favourites," Nyika said.
The Hamiltonian is sporting a fresh blond haircut, which has inspired a fresh nickname for the gold medal prospect.
"I figured it was only fitting, maybe if I paint my hair gold maybe I'll get another gold medal. They're calling me a 'pint of guinness' now, so long, dark and strong with a bit of foam on top. I like to think I'm at least six or seven percent (alcohol rating) so I'm a little bit strong like a guinness," said a laughing Nyika, tongue firmly in cheek.
Speaking of cheek, Nyika certainly has some. The heavyweight has been teasing his team-mates, who're mostly competing in lower weight classes, about all the food he can consume and just how much he's loving the gluttony inspiring food halls of the athletes village.
"I think I'm the only one in the team who can actually eat breakfast properly hahaha. I had donuts for breakfast that went down a treat, but nah they weren't that good, so don't worry guys (as he grins at his team-mates) don't panic you're not missing out there. But I am loving the dining hall experience, sorry guys hahaha."
Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Despite his obvious talent Nyika won't be following in the footsteps of Joseph Parker in turning professional anytime soon.
The 22-year-old said while he will turn pro at some point, he has his eye on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
"It's on the cards (turning pro) but as long as I've got New Zealand backing me I think I'll head for the Olympics. I've always wanted to go to Japan as well, it's right on the top of my list."
Another gold on the Gold Coast and Nyika's Tokyo dream should become a reality.
