Kellie Harrington has become an Olympic champion.
The Dublin native went up against Brazil’s Beatriz Ferreira in the Women’s Lightweight final in Tokyo on Sunday morning, winning by unanimous decision.
After receiving her medal, the 31-year-old filled up with tears as Ireland’s national anthem Amhrán na bhFiann played in the stadium.
What an incredible moment 👏🏻🇮🇪
Kellie Harrington has won the #Olympic Gold Medal for Ireland in Women’s Lightweight Boxing – beating Brazil’s Beatriz Ferreira in this morning’s final 🥊🏆☘️ pic.twitter.com/ohGIFC5kDc
— Goss.ie (@goss_ie) August 8, 2021
The victory was Ireland’s 11th ever Olympic gold medal, and our second in Tokyo.
Kellie’s win marks the third time Ireland won a gold medal in boxing at the Olympics – with Michael Carruth winning in Barcelona in 1992, followed by Katie Taylor’s victory in the 2012 London games.
Speaking about her win to RTÉ Sport, Kellie said: “I knew no matter what happened out here, whether it was gold, silver or whatever, I knew I’d made myself proud and I know I’m making the people of Ireland proud regardless of the colour of the medal.”
Irish sports stars and fans have been taking to Twitter this morning to congratulate Kellie on her win, including former Olympian winner Katie Taylor.
She wrote: “OLYMPIC CHAMPION!!! Outstanding Kellie!””
Check out some of the best reactions below:
OLYMPIC CHAMPION!!! Outstanding Kellie! 🇮🇪🥇 https://t.co/QkGP72CTPX
— Katie Taylor (@KatieTaylor) August 8, 2021
“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
The moment Kellie Harrington was named an Olympic champion! 🥇🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/BUs1nJWFTH
— Dave Donnelly (@YeSecondPost) August 8, 2021
Kellie Harrington won that fight on a unanimous decision after losing the first round. That in itself is incredible. That might be one of the best performances we’ve ever seen by an Irish athlete. #Olympics #boxing #kellieharrington
— Jacqui Hurley (@jacquihurley) August 8, 2021
One of the great Irish Olympic performances by one of the greatest Irish sportspeople. Nobody deserves this more than Kellie Harrington. I am absolutely made up for her and for the people who helped her to get here. Overwhelmed tbh
— Gavan Casey (@GavanCasey) August 8, 2021
Kellie Harrington had us tearing up 😭 pic.twitter.com/G8rkrff9Zr
— Olympics (@Olympics) August 8, 2021
