Ireland is celebrating its newest Olympic champion, as the nation reacts to boxer Kellie Harrington’s triumph in the women’s lightweight final in Tokyo on Sunday.
Harrington defeated Brazil’s Beatriz Ferreira to claim Ireland’s third ever gold medal in boxing.
The St Mary's boxer came back from a 3-2 decision against her in the first round to take the second two rounds and ultimately win her lightweight final by unanimous decision.
Back on Portland Row in Dublin 1, the atmosphere in the Harrington family home was one of heady euphoria.
While the nation held its breath in nervous anticipation, Kellie’s father Christy remarked afterwards that “if everything fell into place, we knew Kellie would deliver.”
Her brother Chris added that, despite certain media outlets citing Ferreira as favourite, he was in no doubt that the odds were in Kellie's favour.
'Everything fell in to place and she delivered with style!' | 🥊
'Kellie is a boxer, that girl is a fighter' | #Tokyo2020 @Kelly64kg's brother and father spoke to @ashoreilly after she won GOLD in Tokyo | ⬇️@IndeedIE | #TalentUnleashed
Full video ➡️ https://t.co/1TPGxDXnDI pic.twitter.com/bFfMoR9iBh— Off The Ball (@offtheball) August 8, 2021
Speaking to Off the Ball, Kellie Harrington’s brother Joel said that the family were immensely proud to witness her achieving her potential on the Olympic stage.
"Seeing your sister achieve what we’ve always wanted her to achieve as a family - we’ve always supported her, and always knew she could do it - hands down the greatest moment of my life, nothing comes remotely close to it."
Joel is confident that while her siblings will share their love for their Olympian sister, Harrington can also expect some good-natured teasing from her brothers upon her return home.
🗣 'She is everything I look up to'
🗣 'Hurry home, your dogs are waiting for you!'
An understandably emotional Joel Harrington, @Kelly64kg's brother, spoke to @ashoreilly after she won GOLD in Tokyo | ⬇️@IndeedIE | #TalentUnleashed
Full video ➡️ https://t.co/1TPGxDFMMa pic.twitter.com/Gy47W5LqN2— Off The Ball (@offtheball) August 8, 2021
Meanwhile, the Portland Row residents expressed their delight for their Olympic hero.
'She is a hero, Kellie, you've done it! Thank God!' | 🥊
'I am after crying watching her' | 😭
The 'Granny of Portland Row' spoke to @ashoreilly after @Kelly64kg won GOLD in #Tokyo2020 | #Olympics@IndeedIE | #TalentUnleashed
Full video ➡️ https://t.co/1TPGxDXnDI pic.twitter.com/PxsGfbt9hP— Off The Ball (@offtheball) August 8, 2021
Residents explained that Harrington's exciting Olympic journey had created an electric atmosphere around the community over the last few weeks. They also noted that her success comes as no surprise, given her years of hard work and dedication.
'The whole place is buzzing!' | #Harrington
Some of the Portland Row residents spoke to @ashoreilly after @Kelly64kg won GOLD in #Tokyo2020 | #Olympics@IndeedIE | #TalentUnleashed
Full video ➡️ https://t.co/1TPGxDXnDI pic.twitter.com/4Nymvwv7Yo— Off The Ball (@offtheball) August 8, 2021
And when she was shown a small sample of the reaction from back home, Harrington was moved to tears by the scenes of jubilation.
“I didn’t even think anyone would be up watching”
Kellie Harrington reacts as @RTEsport’s @jacquihurley shows her the scenes from home as she boxed her way home to Olympic gold 🥇🇮🇪
What a moment… We’re not crying, we just have something in our eye… #TeamIreland #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/EmCzwdPLYC— Team Ireland (@TeamIreland) August 8, 2021
Indeed are proud to support Team Ireland at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics
Indeed believes the world works better when people are given every opportunity to unleash their true talents. #TalentUnleashed
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