There's a song I listened to through my Olympic Games qualification and preparation called '1955' by Aussie hip hop band, hilltop hoods. 

Every time I listened to the song, it would  remind me of home – the Camden Haven – 2443 "My 1955!" The place I was lucky enough to call home, to grow up and enjoy my childhood and the place I will always be able to come back to and feel welcomed! 

It can be a lonely road being an elite athlete and travelling here, there and everywhere sacrificing so much to chase your dreams! It is songs like this one that remind me of home and make it a little bit easier to do what I do! Because if I'm feeling low or tired, I can put it on and it reminds me of the people and town I am doing this all for! It's all not only for me and my family. It is for you! Every single one of you who have supported me throughout my life and career so far and who I know, no matter what I do or don't achieve, will be there supporting me until the very end. 

I was so humbled when I was contacted by Rheannan Chapman and the Kendall Blues footy club, telling me that they would so generously donate some of the money they raised to my boxing career! To think that others in the Camden Haven would be so willing to help me chase my dreams is amazing! I was able to send a video saying thank you to Rheannan and the club for being so considerate in including me on the amazing list of people they supported for their charity day in July. But I realised that in sending that video, I wouldn't be able to thank the amazing people who attended their charity day and donated the money or bought raffle tickets to help the Kendall Blues donate the amazing amount of money that they raised! 

This is why I wanted to write this letter to the editor.  To say THANK YOU to YOU - my AMAZING community! Without your support, it would be so much harder to continue doing what I do. So thank you! For giving me the support, for giving me the motivation and for passing on all of the kind words you have sent to me before, during and after the Olympic games! I cannot show my appreciation enough! 

The financial assistance is helping me in my next phase, post Rio. A time that has been much harder emotional and physically than I anticipated. The money will support me, as I have unfortunately lost funding due to the result in Rio, and it will help me start my road to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in my quest to become a back-to-back gold medallist! 

Thank you again! I am more humbled and appreciative than I will ever be able to express! I hope I've been able to make you proud! As the song, 1955, goes: "no matter, Where I go, where I go. This will always be home" and I am so lucky I have a song to remind me every day of the amazing community and town I get to call mine! 

Shelley xxx 

Shelley Watts, 2016 Australian Olympian, 2014 Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist