Boxer Kellie Harrington has won gold in the lightweight boxing final at the Olympic Games, in a unanimous decision victory over reigning world champion Beatriz Ferreira of Brazil.
The delight and pride of her family and community in Dublin’s city centre was captured by reporter Rob O’Hanrahan this morning.
From Portland Row to Tokyo.
The Harrington family celebrate a GOLD MEDAL. #Olympics pic.twitter.com/ky5RPbyRab
— Rob O'Hanrahan (@RobOHanrahan) August 8, 2021
She is being described as a national hero by a nation who’ve admired her gracious humility and her fierce sporting spirit.
Joyous to watch, such humility from a grounded, gracious individual. She has done herself, her family and the nation proud 👏 🥊🎖🇮🇪 #kellieharrington pic.twitter.com/XnxeByspW0
— 👹Eamon Fitzpatrick🇮🇪 (@fitzpatrickeamo) August 8, 2021
Her family and neighbours were celebrating with the rest of the country this morning as a new Olympic champion was added to the rolls.
Kellie’s mother Yvonne said: “”I’m so proud of her and I’m so delighted for her. “She did it for all of us. All she wanted was to see people smiling and to make people happy.”
Dad Christy said: “She set a new mark “I was expecting Kellie to put on a spectacular show, and she did, it’s just beautiful.”
The champion’s brother Joel added: “Kellie did what she does, at the biggest moment and on the biggest stage”.
“When others might freeze, she loosened up and expressed herself.
“She won gold for her road, her community, her county, her country and her sport. She’s a role model for her sport, a flagbearer for the country. Everything she gets, every ounce she deserves.”