Kellie Anne Harrington becomes women's light Olympic champion

Kellie Anne Harrington of Ireland has become the new Olympic champion in the women's light class overcoming Brazil's Beatriz Ferreira in a 5-0 win on points at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

Harrington had been looking to emulate the accomplishments of Katie Taylor, who won the women's lightweight at London 2012.

“I have no words. The hard work, dedication, sacrifice that has gone into this," Harrington said on being an Olympic gold medallist. "The lonely moments, the tears, you know it’s just like….my family knows, my coaches know, the coaches here know, it hasn’t even hit yet.

“I’m crying as I have a sense of relief. When I get back and I'm in my room on my own, or when I get to the team, it will hit, but I don’t know, I’m just relieved."

Ferreira, the reigning world champion in this weight class, got the upper-hand on her opponent early on in the gold medal fight but as the bout drew on Harrington managed to finish Round 1 strong.

The Irish boxer's momentum carried over to Round 2. But Ferreira came out in the third determined to not let the gold slip from her grasp that easily, giving it everything she had. But in the end, a unanimous decision from the judges gave it to Harrington.

“I’m an Olympic champion but it doesn’t define me as a person. At home, I’d say it will be a bit mental, but I will be going back to work in two or three weeks," said the 31-year-old, who is a part-time cleaner at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin.

“I’ll get home, have a break, eat loads of pizza. I’m sure there will be a little party in work for me and I’ll be bringing my medal there.”

The bronze medals went to Finland's Mira Marjut Johanna Potkonen and Thailand's Sudaporn Seesondee.