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Jayden Price, a 14-year-old prodigious boxer from Gloucester, is on a unique Olympic journey that has captivated the boxing world. He isn't your typical British hopeful, though; in three years, this rising English youth champion aims to stand atop the Olympic podium in Los Angeles, but with a twist—reprising the colors of Bahrain.
Jayden’s ambition doesn’t include “God Save The King” or donning a Team GB vest; his path to the Olympics diverges through the Middle East. Sky News brings Jayden’s story to light in exclusive interviews with him and his coach and father, Lee Price.
“Post-European Championships, Bahrain reached out, proposing I represent their country,” Jayden explains. “It’s an honor to have been sought out and chosen for such a prestigious role.” Despite his family’s lack of ties to Bahrain, they’ve faced skepticism, but Jayden remains steadfast in his decision.
Jayden Price’s journey to Olympic gold under Bahrain’s flag is an inspiring tale of ambition and defying norms.
Financial incentives play a pivotal role, facilitating Jayden’s sporting ambitions and securing his education through private tuition. Just last month, contracts were signed in the presence of Bahraini royalty, making Jayden’s dream feel tangible.
“The talks stretched on for so long, I had time to think, ‘OK, this is actually happening now’. Time to embrace it,” Jayden admits.
Social Media and Royal Attention
Jayden’s journey, documented by his father on social media, caught the attention of Sheikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the chair of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, who was eager to involve more youths in sports.
“As discussions advanced, the focus was on Jayden’s long-term goals — particularly his Olympic aspirations. Bahrain’s sporting authorities explored how they could support him in achieving these objectives,” Mr. Price recounts. “They assured Jayden of maintaining his amateur status through to the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane, aligning with his development plan and Olympic dreams.”
‘Securing the Opportunity’
One concern was Jayden potentially missing out on Team GB’s squad for the LA 2028 Olympics and being pressured to turn professional to earn a living before 2032.
“It would have been tough, because there are many talented boxers in the UK,” Jayden reflects. “I believe I could have made it but there was a risk I couldn’t. It’s good to secure this opportunity.”
Bahrain’s offer allows Jayden the chance to participate in two Olympic events while staying amateur longer, with larger, better-padded gloves to mitigate the impact.
This decision, however, involves financial considerations.
“Besides the benefits of more international exposure, representing a different country can help create a distinctive personal brand, potentially opening doors to sponsorship from the Middle East and beyond,” Mr. Price notes.
Jayden’s transition to Bahrain’s team marks a pivotal moment in his young boxing career.
Bahrain, with a population of just under 800,000 and reliant on oil and gas wealth, has won all eight of its Olympic medals through foreign-born athletes. Could Jayden be the one to bring home the first in boxing?
“That was their goal, to bring me over and hopefully have me win them a lot of medals,” Jayden states.
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During our meeting, Jayden already boasts a gold medal won under Bahrain’s flag, achieved a couple of weeks prior in Amman, where he won the U15s 43kg class at an Asian boxing championship.
“I’m having to adjust to things like the national anthem,” he admits. “But being able to compete for Bahrain, I think it’s a great opportunity.”
Facing UK Opponents
How would Jayden feel facing a British opponent in the Olympic final?
“Obviously, it would be a bit awkward,” he admits. But guiding Jayden is his experienced coach, Amin Khan.
Jayden’s coach, Amin Khan, is instrumental in guiding his Olympic journey from Gloucester to the international stage.
Amin Khan, who runs the Truth Boxing Club near Gloucester Cathedral, has trips planned to Manama. He addresses the skepticism head-on.
“There will certainly be questions,” Mr. Khan acknowledges. “But this decision supports Jayden’s best interests, giving him the opportunity to perform at a high level and develop his career.”
“In England, boxing is like a working-class sport but it’s costly. Jayden’s situation allows him to remain amateur until 21, something that might not have been possible here due to the pressures of turning pro to earn a living,” Mr. Khan explains.
‘He’s their poster boy’
Though financial specifics remain undisclosed, it’s clear that Jayden’s family will be comfortable without him needing a part-time job.
“He can stay amateur until he’s 21,” Mr. Khan adds. “In England, it’s a significant challenge to maintain amateur status without the backing of substantial financial support. Jayden’s scenario here as Bahrain’s poster boy offers career prospects and a shot at the Olympics.”
Jayden’s Olympic ambitions and decision to represent Bahrain open a debate on the global movement of sporting talent and loyalty.
Ambitions for the Future
Jayden’s demeanor lacks the swagger or boastfulness, despite his impressive record of 66 out of 70 boxing matches won, starting his combat journey in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts at the tender age of six.
What does the future hold for Jayden, potentially by the age of 34?
“Hopefully, I’ll be retired as the former undisputed champion, recognized as one of the greatest,” he hopes.
His journey towards greatness is on an unusual path – not under the banner of Great Britain, but a country that he only visited for the first time last month.
Transferring his sporting allegiance is bound to spark conversation, as the family acknowledges the irresistible financial offer as a key factor.
Yet, this support aligns with his goal of becoming a boxing star, prioritizing his welfare and well-being over the growing financial rewards.
