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CATCHING UP WITH DANTE BENJAMIN
by USA BOXING
You are now attending your second training camp in Colorado. How is this one different from your first time at the Olympic Training Center?
This training camp is much more intense, with the workouts being harder than my first training camp last year.
What kind of feelings were you having before coming to this camp?
I was excited about coming back to the Olympic Training Center, especially because I was going to be able to see the elite men and women train. I was so excited that I was counting down the days until I was leaving to come out here.
Being one of the only junior team members having attended camp before, do you feel you have to step up and be a leader for the boys attending their first camp?
Yes, because I have to show them that the National Team training camp is hard work and not just a vacation and extra days off from school.
What do you hope to learn or gain from attending camp this week?
I hope all the junior boys and I gain more chemistry and a strong brotherhood.
What has been your favorite part of camp so far?
The sparring has been my favorite part because it shows me what I need to work on to get ready for international competition this year.
You are attending camp the same time as our elite team. What is it like training alongside them and getting to watch how they train?
It's a great experience seeing the elite team train because it shows me how much more work I have to put in to be like them.
In a few months you will get to attend your first international tournament. What are your goals for that competition and how do you plan to reach those goals?
My goal is to win a gold medal, and I will train harder and put in more hours when I get back home.
