Ireland’s Kellie Harrington clinched her second consecutive Olympic boxing gold medal on Tuesday at Roland Garros in Paris before announcing her retirement from the sport.
The 34-year-old from Dublin, who won gold in the 60kg weight class at the delayed Tokyo Olympics, secured her title once again with a split-decision victory over China’s Yang Wenlu. This win marked Ireland’s fourth gold medal in all sports at the Paris Games.
Harrington, who made history as the first Irish boxer to retain an Olympic title, decided to retire on a high note. “I’m done and dusted. I’m going out a champion, and that’s the way I want to go out,” Harrington said. “I don’t want to retire after losing a fight. I’ll retire happy.”
Harrington was a favorite in the boxing tournament, although Yang was the top seed and Harrington was seeded third. Supported by a passionate crowd of Irish fans who outnumbered the Chinese supporters, Harrington showcased aggressive tactics throughout the bout. After the judges’ decision, she celebrated by leaping into her corner, dancing around the ring, and leading the Irish celebrations from the center of the ring.
Previously a world and European champion, Harrington’s triumph in Tokyo elevated her status back home. Despite suffering her first loss in three years earlier in April, she made a triumphant return to claim gold in Paris.
“This is the stuff of dreams,” Harrington reflected. “Very few people in the world get to experience this. The support of the nation is just amazing. The people here today lifted me. They made me feel like I wasn’t tired, even though I was exhausted.”
The boxing events, initially held at the North Paris Arena, have now moved to Roland Garros, renowned for its Grand Slam tennis.
In other matches at the 15,000-seat Court Philippe-Chatrier, the United States’ quest for a first men’s gold since Andre Ward in 2004 continues after Omari Jones narrowly lost in the 71kg division. Uzbekistan’s Asadkhuja Muydinkhujaev won a split decision against Jones and will compete for gold against Mexico’s Marco Verde, who edged out Britain’s Lewis Richardson. Bronze medals will be awarded to the losing semi-finalists.
