Sport

Sporting hits of 2021: Losing was never an option for Kellie Harrington

Portland Row’s finest overcomes Ferreira to conquer the world and win her Olympic gold

Kellie Harrington celebrates her gold medal with coaches Zaur Antia and John Conlan. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho

Philip Reid's face
Philip Reid
Sat Jan 1 2022 - 10:00

Women’s lightweight Olympics final - Kellie Harrington v Beatriz Iasmin Soares Fereira, Kokugikan Arena, Tokyo, August 8th.

A woman from Brazil stood in her way.

Beatriz Iasmin Soares Ferreira, the length of both arms adorned with tattoos, had the look of someone up to no good as she faced up to Kellie Harrington in the gold medal bout of the women’s lightweight at the Tokyo Olympics.

And, for the opening round, she played the role to perfection. When the judges recorded their scores, Ferreira - on the front foot and eager to swing fast and furiously - led; and Harrington had it all to do.

Then, for the next two rounds, Harrington’s class won out. Ruthlessly and methodically she stuck to her game plan and, skillfully staying away from Ferreira’s flaying fists, picked off her opponent with well-timed and well-executed shots. To the head. To the body. All the while her quick feet keeping her away from trouble.

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Kellie Harrington with her gold medal during her Dublin homecoming. Photogtaph: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho

Harrington won the second round; and also took the third.

When the bell sounded for the final time, Harrington’s years of work had brought its reward. The decision, unanimous on all judges’ scorecards. Gold!

She slumped to her knees an Olympic champion.

Clutching a bouquet of sunflowers attached to the Olympic mascot - Miraitowa, derived from the Japanese words “mirai” (future) and “towa” (eternity) - Harrington’s words after the fight only served to capture her sincerity: “We are We are all champions, anyone who stepped in between those ropes are champions.

“Every fight has been a tough fight, every fight has been a gold medal fight . . . I can’t wait to get back home, to sit on the couch, to sleep. I’m absolutely exhausted. I’m like a fluffy pigeon going around I’m that grey. What a journey, it’s just fantastic.”

Harrington, from Portland Row in Dublin’s north inner city, had listened to songs from the Lion King as part of her relaxation method prior to fights and adopted the motto of Hakuna Matata in celebrating each win. “It literally means no worries; whether I win or whether I lose, I’m not worried.”

Losing, though, was never an option.