There’s no right time for charting one’s path to greatness, and WBO cruiserweight champion, Lawrence Okolie’s story does justice to the statement. His iconic journey from being a McDonald’s employee to an Olympian boxer was recently brought to light through a recent publication. He made his Olympic debut at the 2016 Rio Olympics solely through iron will and determination. 

The defining moment was when he was watching the super-heavyweight boxers at the 2012 London Olympics during a lunch break at his workplace. As he was left inspired, Okolie made up his mind to compete at the next Olympics. After four years of ups and downs, he finally manifested his dreams, yet, that was not all for him. 

How Lawrence Okolie turned his far-fetched dreams into reality?

Just like every British citizen, the 30-year-old champion too was engrossed in the Olympics in 2012. According to The Guardian, he sat with his colleagues during lunchtime and witnessed the greatest athletes competing against each other. He particularly mentioned, British boxers, Anthony Joshua and Nicola Adams, as his favorites. “I had been working at McDonald’s since I left sixth form, in the branch at Victoria station,” he shared. 

Moreover, most of his schoolmates were stepping into the next phase of their lives, getting jobs or degrees. Whereas Okolie had decided to take a year off, to figure things out. That afternoon lunch break changed something within him. He watched Joshua at the super-heavyweight finale victory and felt, “I need a moment like this, I need this type of energy in my life…I’m going to get to the next Olympics.”

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That was the beginning of his Olympian escapade. The 6’5” boxer revealed that he was a whole different person in his school days. He spoke, “I’d be in the canteen. The others would be playing football at lunchtime, but I’d be waiting for seconds.” After that moment, he decided to plan out his life as a pro boxer. He conveyed the same to his work manager and mother. He requested her to sponsor him for some time, and asserted, “I’m going to be a champion one day.” His mother was worried about the risks of the aggressive sport and also pondered upon his age as being a bit too old. Even though the idea didn’t appeal to her, she supported her son. 

The turn of events that boosted his success in boxing

Looking up to Joshua’s achievements as his inspiration, the British athlete intended on setting similar targets. He began regular training while his coach, Robert England, encouraged him. Eventually, he began studying at the University of East London and trained at its gym. “I had been lazy before – if I had been asked to do 10 push-ups, I’d only try to do five – but now I had a focus,” he admitted. 

The emerging results validated his dedication and he started pushing himself more. Soon, he began winning championships and gained recognition. After a few ups and downs and an injury, he finally qualified for the Rio Olympics in 2016. He was humbled by the achievement, and so, even when he lost, he didn’t feel discouraged. Okolie decided to look forward instead of being too content with the present. “I am happy and grateful, but I am also thinking: what’s next?” he thought. He now wanted to win a gold medal. Though he hasn’t won one yet, he is regarded as a world champion and is grateful for how far he’s come. 

Watch This Story: Remembering Every Loss of Anthony Joshua’s Amateur and Professional Boxing Career

In short, a young McDonald’s employee flipping burgers in the kitchen realized his greater purpose in life and worked towards it. How inspirational! Don’t you agree? Tell us in the comments.