View this post on Instagram
Kellie Harrington walked away a two-time Olympic champion on Tuesday night.
She beat out China’s Wenlu Yang to secure her gold medal.
It was not just an incredible feat as she was cheered on by Irish fans in at Roland Garros stadium, with hundreds of her neighbours and friends watching a big screen in Diamond Park at home in Dublin.
She also made Olympics history!
View this post on Instagram
Kellie is one of four Irish Olympians to win gold medals at two different games. Fintan McCarthy and Paul O’Donovan joined the club just this year following in the footsteps of Dr Pat O’Callaghan.
She becomes the first Irish woman to do so at the iconic games.
She also becomes the first Irish boxer to defend their Olympic title – no small feat.
Kellie announced her retirement after coming out of the ring as she admitted she always wanted to end her career on a high.
View this post on Instagram
“I just wanted to be happy, just wanted to smile, be happy and enjoy the last hurrah,” she told RTÉ afterwards.
“I am done. I always said I wanted to retire a champion and that’s it. Let me say it again: Bob’s your uncle, Fanny’s your auntie, goodnight Irene.”
She was met with congratulatory messages from everyone across the country.
Taoiseach Simon Harris wrote on social media: “You’ve done it Kellie Harrington. Gold!!!!! That was tough, strategic, smart! Simply magnificent.
View this post on Instagram
“The entire country is watching your celebrations with joy & is hoarse from shouting you on. Two time Olympic Champion Kellie. Paris 2024 – A record Olympics for Team Ireland.”
Yes, Kellie’s secured medal has officially made this Ireland’s most successful Olympics. We have won seven medals overall, four gold and three bronze.
We also sit 12th overall in the leaderboard. What an achievement!
