Olympic boxer inspires next generation

Olympic-bound boxer and Aston University graduate Delicious Orie recently returned to the university campus to inspire the next generation of young athletes.

Delicious, who graduated from Aston University in 2020 with a degree in Economics and Management, took part in the Titan Aston Olympians programme at Aston Sports Centre, where he presented medals to the participating students and shared his experiences and motivated the young athletes with his remarkable journey from basketball to boxing.

Born in Moscow to a Nigerian father and a Russian mother, Delicious moved to London at the age of seven. After moving to Birmingham, he discovered his passion for boxing and trained at the gym on Henrietta Street in the city’s Jewellery Quarter.

Returning to Aston University is always special for me. It was here that I laid the foundations for my career, both academically and athletically.

Among his many accolades, Delicious has won the English Amateur Super Heavyweight Championship, a bronze medal at the European Championships and a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. He will represent the British team at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris in July and plans to turn professional after the Games.

In recognition of his services to sport and his strong association with Aston University, Delicious was awarded a Golden Gateways plaque by the England national team following his gold medal win at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. The plaque hangs at the entrance to the Sir Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centre.

A proud Delicious said: “Returning to Aston University is always special for me. It was here that I laid the foundations for my career, both academically and athletically.”

“It is an honor to be here today and share my journey with the young athletes. I hope I can inspire them to pursue their dreams.”

Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, said: “We are incredibly proud of Delicious and its achievements.

“His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of a supportive community that we are building at Aston University, putting students at the heart of our 2030 strategy.

“We look forward to cheering him on at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.”