Paris 2024 boxing: All results, as Ireland’s Kellie Harrington claims women’s -60kg gold medal for second time

Ireland’s Kellie Harrington jabbed and dodged her way to a gold medal in women’s -60kg boxing, winning the final in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Stade Roland-Garros on Tuesday, 6 August at Paris 2024.

It was a repeat performance for the indomitable Irish boxer, who successfully defended the gold medal she won at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

“I didn’t think this was possible,” said Harrington. “Thanks to the coaches here and back home and Mandy [wife], my brothers and my ma and da and close friends who kept me going even when I didn’t believe.”

She certainly didn’t look like a boxer having a crisis of faith when she stepped into the ring to face Yang Wenlu of the People’s Republic of China in the final.

Harrington started the match off well, landing a few speculative blows on her opponent before dialing in a few heavier blows. Yang didn’t make things easy for Harrington, responding with a few strong combinations of her own.

However, it was clear by the third round that Harrington was heading towards victory. She controlled the match physically, spiritually and psychologically, setting the tone for the entire fight.

When the time came for the judges to decide a winner, it wasn’t a shock when Harrington’s name was called by the ring announcer.

She celebrated her victory, dancing in the ring. It was a moment she thought might never come just a few months before.

“When you believe, you can achieve,” said Harrington. “And I just want kids and teenagers and adults and everybody to understand that things don't just come to you after the first goal, the second goal, the 12th goal. You got to keep trying.

“But the main thing is to never give up and always keep trying and believing in yourself,” added the two-time Olympic champion, who intends to hang up her boxing gloves after defending her title.

“I’m done and dusted. I’m going to go out a champion. That’s the way I want to go out,” she said.

Harrington beat Yang in a 4-1 split decision that saw Yang claim a well-earned silver medal for her efforts at Paris 2024.

Boxing: Women’s -60kg podium

Gold: Kellie Harrington, Ireland

Silver: Yang Wenlu, People’s Republic of China

Bronze: Wu Shih Yi, Chinese Taipei

Bronze: Beatriz Iasmin Soares Ferreira, Brazil

See all the results on Olympics.com.