Dublin boxer Kellie Harrington has gone out on top, winning a 2nd Olympic Gold medal after seeing off her rival Wenlu Yang on Tuesday night.
Harrington’s final Olympic fight saw her repeat her Tokyo 2020 success, becoming the first-ever Irish athlete to win consecutive Olympic golds in boxing.
Harrington was declared winner by a 4-1 split decision, but those watching at home could see that the result of the fight was never in doubt.
Walking into the arena to the strains of Zombie by The Cranberries, Harrington was guaranteed a medal after getting to the final but one got the sense she wasn’t going to settle for silver.
A packed Bedford Row watched the festivities, and the crowd erupted at roughly 10.15pm on Tuesday as Harrington’s victory was declared.
Harrington’s gold continues Ireland’s extraordinary Olympics, with Ireland’s gold medal haul now standing at 4, all across different sports.
Daniel Wiffin took home a gold for his swimming heroics, Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy sailed home with a gold, and gymnast Rhys McClenaghan captivated the nation with his heroics on the pommel horse.
“There were unbelievable scenes in Diamond Park and Portland Row to celebrate our own Kellie Harrington winning her Olympic boxing final and taking home her second Olympic Gold” local councillor Nial Ring said after the fight.
“A brilliant display against a very tough opponent but Kellie’s superb controlled display shone through and once again she stood on the Olympic podium with Mmhrán na bhFiann ringing out at the Roland Garros arena.”
“Her family were joined by neighbours, friends and wellwishers as the Diamond Park crowd descended on nearby Portland Row which is now planning a magnificent homecoming befitting a double Olympic Champion which will, if possible, surpass the one from three years ago” he said.
“We are out of superlatives to describe Kellie’s achievements, her positive impact on young people in the area and her commitment and dedication to her community. I proposed her for the Freedom of the City three years ago and I don’t know how we can suitably acknowledge and reward her latest achievement – maybe Kellie for president?”
“Fair play to Dublin City Council for organising the event in Diamond Park, but while Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, in Kellie’s case Gold is her best friend!”