Kitchener boxer Mandy Bujold weighs options after Rio Olympics

Kitchener boxer Mandy Bujold says she will be taking some time off to consider her next steps after a disappointing finish at the Rio Olympics.

On Tuesday, Bujold lost a bout based on points.

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But she revealed after the fight that she had been sick and went straight from having an IV in her arm,as she layin a hospital bed, to the venue for her event.

She said it was her body knowing what to do and the sheer determination not to give up that got her through the bout with China's Cancan Red.

"Once it was done, it was just kind of like, I cannot believe this is the way my Olympic story has ended," Bujold said in an interview.

'I need to take some time off'

Speaking to CBC K-W from Rio, Bujold said it's time for her to take a step back from the ring.

"Right now, I just need to sit back and really evaluate what's happening. I just need to process this. I need to take some time off and just live a normal life," she said.

Once it was done, it was just kind of like, I cannot believe this is the way my Olympic story has ended.- Kitchener boxer Mandy Bujold

It's important to Bujold to take the time to make sure she still wants boxing to be a big part of her life.

"I've always said that with boxing, I want to make sure I'm still 100 per cent passionate about what I'm doing if I'm going to step in the ring because it's something that can become dangerous if you're not," she said.

"Right now it's just going to be about relaxing, taking some time to do normal things and not having to think about training for a little bit and I'm just going to see where that takes me and if I still have that passion to keep going. Because I don't do anything unless I do it 100 per cent."

'Incredible' support from community

Bujold said she has always appreciated the support from fans in Kitchener.

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"It's incredible. I couldn't ask for more support or a better community to come from," she said.

On Bujold's official Facebook page, fans offered their words of encouragement.

"You were already a winner before you went to Rio," one person wrote. "We are so proud of you. Stand tall and let your light shine."

Another person wrote, "[You're] a champion in my eyes for everything that you have been through and to find the strength to step into the ring This has also shown everyone what you are made of - 100 per cent gold."