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Boxer Kellie Harrington mentioned she is “overwhelmed with feelings” as she claimed a bronze medal on the Tokyo Olympics.
“I can’t be that fortunate to be successful all this stuff and find yourself right here with a bronze medal in my bag from the Olympic Video games,” she mentioned.
Harrington achieved a unanimous resolution by the judges in her combat towards Imane Khelif of Algeria – guaranteeing her at the very least an Olympic bronze medal.
She mentioned she owed “the whole lot” to her coaches – Noel Burke, Zaur Antia and John Conlan – in addition to her teammates “for all of the sparring and the preparation and help that they’ve given me out right here – and we give one another – it’s simply been improbable”.
Harrington will now face Thailand’s Sudaporn Seesondee in a semi-final on Thursday, and the prospect of a silver or gold medal is forward of her.
Commenting on the combat towards Khelif, she informed RTÉ radio’s Morning Eire: “She [Khelif] was throwing from actual far however making mad grunting noises, like ‘Whooooh’, and I used to be like, ‘Oh my God, what is that this?’
“She had actually lengthy arms. It was onerous to get in and do what I want to do. It wasn’t an incredible combat, however it was a combat that I received.
“She was smiling at me and protruding her tongue. I used to be simply smiling again, as if to say, ‘Look, it’s all enjoyable and video games till my hand will get lifted’.”
Harrington additionally paid tribute to her Portland Row neighborhood in Dublin. “The help that I’m getting from the neighborhood again residence – I’ve heard that it’s lit again residence. I’m simply so pleased, and my feelings actually come out in terms of this. To have the ability to give them one thing to be pleased about and to sing and dance. Only for one individual lifting the nation,” she mentioned, including: “Hakuna Matata – it means no worries for the remainder of your days and that’s what the Lion King says!”
‘So proud’
Harrington’s household has mentioned they’re “over the moon” and “so pleased with her” after her win.
Her father, Christy, informed RTÉ radio’s Morning Eire he was assured watching her: “You realize by her stepping into the ring that she’s targeted, targeted – you simply know she’s going to provide the whole lot. It was like once we have been children staying as much as watch Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier besides it was our Kellie.”
Christopher, Harrington’s brother, mentioned he was so pleased with her sister, including: “Have a look at the road, it’s simply due to Kellie. It’s fever pitch on the highway.”
He mentioned the household is “hoping for extra” than the assured bronze in Thursday’s semi-final. “You’re nervous for her, however within the combat she’s smiling and having fun with herself, there’s nothing prefer it, it’s class,” he mentioned.
“Even other than the Olympics simply taking a look at your sister on the telly, having fun with herself, smiling within the ring, that in itself is priceless. The truth that it’s on the Olympics, that’s a bonus. A bonus for the household.”
Yvonne, Harrington’s mom, mentioned she “by no means doubted her, undoubtedly not”, including that she hasn’t spoken to her daughter for the reason that win as she is “targeted” on the combat forward.
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