Ramnarine: Medal struck like a punch

Relaxing in the verandah of her home in Roopsingh Road, Carapichaima, Central Trinidad, yesterday, Ramnarine, 26, said news of her selection for a Humming Bird Medal (silver) award, struck her like a punch.

"I never in my wildest dreams, thought of it. Although, I know I fought hard to make my country proud. I’m ready to do it again."

Ramnarine was also in a reflective mood yesterday, recalling how a simple "work out" at the gym led to a professional career in kick boxing.

The pencil-slim Ramnarine attended Couva Holy Faith Convent. She had decided that the gym was an ideal place to pass time while awaiting CXC results in 1999.

"One thing led to another —workout to aerobics then karate."

Ramnarine who captured the eyes of kick boxing coach Bharat Ramoutar said. "And that was it...I liked it," she quipped. Ramnarine has since won several local kick boxing and boxing bouts.

Added to her trophies, are several medals for karate.

She lost the international bout to a Canadian in Canada, then the world kick boxing champion.

The defending Canadian champ was 13 pounds heavier and Ramnarine recalled: "I was expected to be knocked out in the first rounds, but I went the full four." But the American, Yvonne Caples, was no match for Ramnarine.

When they met in last year’s Women International Boxing Association world mini-flyweight boxing championship, Ramnarine is currently undergoing training to defend her title next year.

She’s nursing some sore "knuckles", but said yesterday she was looking forward to giving President Maxwell Richards and Prime Minister Patrick Manning the firmest of handshakes at President’s House upon receipt of her medal.

Ramnarine said her parents Narad Mowlah and Dulcie Ramnarine have given her courage and motivation.

"I’m a Trini to the bone. I make my country proud and now it has reciprocated," Ramnarine said.