Gainesville Boxing Coach Lee Gladden Heads to 2028 Olympics as Team USA Coach
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Lee Gladden, owner of Gladden Boxing Club, has been selected as a coach for Team USA Boxing at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The announcement marks a return to the Olympics for Gladden, who was an alternate for Team USA at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
A Lifelong Passion for Boxing
Gladden’s journey with boxing began as a young boy, inspired by watching Sugar Ray Leonard on ABC’s Wide World of Sports. “I was mesmerized. I felt like I wanted to be there somehow through life. It led me to it,” Gladden said. He has dedicated 52 years to the sport, both as a competitor and a coach.
From Marine to the Boxing Ring
Prior to opening his boxing club, Gladden served in the U.S. Marine Corps. His military service and passion for boxing intertwined, leading him to compete for the Marine Corps boxing team and ultimately earning a spot as an alternate for the 1996 Olympic team. During four years of intense competition, Gladden participated in 125 fights while balancing commitments to both Team USA and the Marine Corps.
Building a Boxing Legacy in Gainesville
Twenty years ago, Gladden moved to Gainesville and established Gladden Boxing Club, aiming to fill a gap in the region’s athletic offerings. The club focuses on discipline and technique, serving athletes aged 7 to 72. “I was the little kid that didn’t have much… and I decided I wanted to give back to little me,” Gladden explained, highlighting his commitment to providing opportunities for youth.
Coaching Success and Olympic Preparation
Gladden’s coaching has already yielded success, including mentoring Omari Jones, a bronze medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics [WCJB]. He is currently preparing for his role with Team USA by traveling to Colorado to train coaches and develop strategies for the 2028 Games. He will also be coaching international coaches during this trip.
A Focus on Community Impact
Gladden Boxing Club is known for its commitment to youth development and serving athletes from underserved backgrounds, providing mentorship and structure. Marine Staff Sergeant Jordan Bennett, a full-time University of Florida student and athlete at the club, emphasized the importance of the accountability and structure Gladden provides. “Hard times create tough people, and we get tough together,” Bennett said.
Looking Ahead
Gladden is seeking sponsorships and community partnerships to support the training and competition expenses for his athletes. He views his work with young athletes as the ultimate reward, stating, “That’s more of a gold medal than an actual physical gold medal in the Olympics… When I see these kids beating the odds.”
The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games are scheduled to include Olympic-style boxing [Team USA], and Gladden is poised to play a key role in Team USA’s success.