Claiming Ireland’s 11th, boxing’s third and her first, Dubliner Kellie Harrington finished her stint at the Olympic Games in Tokyo with a gold medal in time for breakfast on Sunday.
It’s the final day of the 2020 games and the Portland Row native beat reigning world champion Beatriz Ferreira to the gold in the women’s lightweight final at the Kokugikan Arena just after 6 am.
In the process, she joins a very elite club of boxing gold medalists alongside Michael Carruth (1992) and Katie Taylor (2012).
Ireland’s newest Olympic champion 🥇
Kellie Harrington won gold in incredible fashion today in Tokyo, winning the Women’s Light final by unanimous decision.
These pictures from @sportsfile show just how much it means 🇮🇪
Congratulations Kellie 🔥🥊🇮🇪🥇#Tokyo2020 #TeamIreland pic.twitter.com/hWDsxs178k
— Team Ireland (@TeamIreland) August 8, 2021
Shipping the first round 3-2, Harrington boxed clever, stayed light on her feet throughout and was tactically superior on her way to a unanimous decision from the judges.
Harrington, 31, is the first boxer to claim gold since Katie Taylor in 2012 and brings home Ireland’s second gold of the 2020 games following the double sculls win for the Cork pairing of Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy.
The President is among those to pay tribute to Kellie on her gold medal success.
Michael D Higgins says her win was an exceptional achievement and described her as an inspiration.
“My warmest congratulations to Kellie Harrington on winning her gold medal at the Olympic Games. Hers is an exceptional achievement, and she is an inspiration for us all.” #Tokyo2020 @sportireland @TeamIreland
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) August 8, 2021