Implants derail model's Olympic dreams

LONDON, Feb. 16 (UPI) -- A model attempting to compete in Olympic boxing cannot take part in competitive bouts due to her breast implants, a boxing group says.

The Amateur Boxing Association of England ruled 25-year-old Sarah Blewden's breast implants represent an increased health risk in regards to competitive boxing matches, The Daily Telegraph said Monday.

"International rules forbid anyone with breast implants continuing to box because of risk of damage to the breast tissue," ABAE Chairman Tony Attwood said.

"The natural breast tissue is pushed forward in front of the implant and it is this that is more at risk."

Blewden has criticized the boxing association's ruling that will significantly hinder her dreams of boxing for Britain in the Olympics.

"My surgeon said they make me no more vulnerable than any other woman," she told the Telegraph of her 32C breasts. "They are not enormous ones -- they are in proportion. They are gel implants and not liquid so they won't burst."

Women's boxing isn't an Olympic sport but an effort is under way to add the event to future Olympic Games.