Ireland’s Kellie Harrington distinguished herself once again at the 2024 Olympics, solidifying her status as one of the greatest amateur boxers of all time.
Harrington clinched her second Olympic gold, a feat previously achieved only by USA’s Claressa Shields and Great Britain’s Nicola Adams since women's boxing debuted in 2012. Despite a formidable challenge from China's Wenlu Yang, who secured victory on one of the scorecards, Harrington showcased her generational talent, as she followed in the footsteps of Ireland’s boxing pioneer Katie Taylor.
Harrington, Ireland’s sole boxing medalist at these Olympics, secured the nation’s only medal—a gold—out of the ten Irish boxing Olympians. Her future plans seem to be retirement according to her post-fight remarks. Harrington might be the ‘greatest what-if’ as it appears she will never have a professional career.
Khelif fights for gold
Elsewhere, Algeria’s women’s welterweight Imane Khelif stands poised to contend for gold after defeating Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng. Khelif, cheered on by the Olympic crowd, will face China’s Liu Yang in the finals, where she is favored to win. Amidst debates over gender controversies, Khelif’s exceptional talent has been somewhat overshadowed by administrative rulings.
Women’s flyweight final set
In the Women’s Flyweight division, China's Yu Wu dominated Kazakhstan’s Nazym Kyzaibay, while Turkey’s Buse Naz Cariroglu shut out Philippines’ Aira Villegas. Wu and Cariroglu will vie for gold in what promises to be a clash between the tournament’s top two contenders, a rarity in this Olympic Games.