Kissimmee resident Antonio Vargas didn't bring back a medal from the Rio Olympics, where he competed in boxing last month. He did, however, bring back something else perhaps just as valuable: inspiration.
- Vargas competed in Flyweight division
- Vargas trains at Heart of Warrior Boxing Gym in Kissimmee
- Other boxers as young as eight years old look up to Vargas
“Boxing is a lifestyle -- It’s not a seasonal sport. You have to be ready year round,” said Vargas.
Vargas, 20, competed as a member of Team USA in the Flyweight division during this year’s Olympics. In fact, he just getting back from Rio de Janeiro.
“Man, it was a feeling I can’t explain, so exciting,” said Vargas.
He lost during the Round of 16 against a young fighter from Uzbekistan, Shakhobidin Zoirov.
“And it was on my birthday too," said Vargas. "That’s another thing I was bummed about.”
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While he did not bring back home the gold, Vargas brought back motivation to Heart of Warrior Boxing Gym, where some as young as eight train alongside him.
“They look for Antonio a lot," said Vargas's coach, Doel Montes. "They’re proud of Antonio and they want to be like Antonio."
Montes says Vargas has become an inspiration not only for those who train here at this gym, but all of Central Florida.
“I just wanna tell all the kids out there, If you’re hungry for it and you want it, just chase your dreams," said Vargas. "That’s the best thing you can do, just work for it. You can have it.”
Vargas said boxing has helped keep him stay off the streets, away from drugs and bad crowds. He hopes other youngsters can follow in his footsteps.
“That’s one of the biggest things I got out of boxing," added Vargas. "It’s discipline, self control.”
Vargas went on to say now that he's back, he's training to become a professional boxer. His first pro fight will be at the beginning of next year.