Kellie Harrington has become a double Olympic champion following her victory over China’s Wenlu Yang in tonight’s final, securing her second consecutive Olympic gold medal.
The Dublin boxer boxed beautifully throughout her final bout, as she won out via a split decision to win her gold medal at Roland Garros.
In the process, Harrington has become the second Irish female athlete to achieve the feat of winning gold at back to back Olympic games, having come out on top in Tokyo back in 2021. More on this here.
She has also follows on from Dr Pat O’Callaghan (gold in the hammer in 1928 and 1932), Paddy Barnes (bronze in boxing in 2008 and 2012) and Paul O’Donovan (double sculls silver and gold in 2016 and 2021) to have medalled at two Olympic Games.
“That’s the last hurrah” – Says Kellie Harrington
Three years on from her triumph in Tokyo, and Kellie Harrington once again soaked in the glory, coming to terms with the magnitude of what she had just achieved.
Speaking afterwards, the fighter insisted that she has now retired from the sport.
“That’s the last hurrah, I’m done”, she stated. “I’ve always said I want to retire a champion. That’s it. Let me just say it once again, Bob’s your uncle, Fanny’s your aunt, good night Irene'”.
Kellie also explained that her plan ahead of this fight was to “just be happy – happy, smile and enjoy it”.
Reflecting on what this win will mean for her community and her country as a whole, Harrington also added: “It just gives hope. All these young kids all these teenagers, it give hope to them, it gives hope to the people of Ireland, that’s what it means. But this one was for me”.
Ahead of her clash with Wenlu Yang, Kellie Harrington even gave a special mention to our very own PJ and Jim on Radio Nova. Find out more below.
WATCH: Kellie Harrington and PJ & Jim a Winning Combination! 🥇
