Showing the same finesse and composure like her last performance in Tokyo three years ago, Kellie Harrington, the reigning lightweight champion, started her Olympic journey pretty impressively. Typically composed and undisturbed by the loud cheers that welcomed the boxers into the North Paris Arena, Harrington did not exhibit signs of nervous anticipation as she climbed into the ring for her opening match. She won all three rounds against Italy’s Alessia Mesiano, displaying mastery over her craft.
This unanimous decision victory marked Ireland’s first for the week, after a series of dubious refereeing decisions and close verdicts.
Despite Harrington’s latest defeat to Natalia Shadrina in Belgrade at the European Championships in April of the same year, there seemed to be no lingering impact as she prepared to defend her title. Before the Belgrade tournament, Harrington had an impressive run, with 23 consecutive victories since the Tokyo Games.
After the match, an elated Harrington shared, “I felt comfortable out there, executing the strategy planned out by my corner crew. Our tactics worked, and it felt great to start my journey. Witnessing the Irish flag flying high in the stadium was a heartening sight. I’m happy that my wife Mandy and my brother could make it to the Olympics, it’s wonderful that they’re able to share this experience with me. I believe I heard Mandy cheering me on.”
Harrington commanded the bout right from the start, scoring instantly with her left jab. Her boxing prowess served her well, making the bout free from complications or difficulties. Throughout most of the fight, Mesiano attempted to break her rhythm by getting close and instigating a brawl, but Harrington remained unruffled, focusing on making single shot points and building her score.
In a display of fair play, all five judges and the audience concurred on the first round going to Ireland. Although the tempo and assertiveness of Mesiano escalated during the second round, pulling Harrington into more exchanges and making an already challenging match seem far from within reach, Harrington maintained her cool, staying unperturbed.
Harrington displayed impressive skill by stepping back and wheeling backwards, successfully sidestepping the aggressive tactics employed by Mesiano. Her precise footwork proved key throughout the match. The second round was a clean sweep, with Harrington scoring 5-0, thoroughly taking control of the bout. She then adopted a reserved strategy, focusing on jabbing and scoring without exposing herself to unnecessary risk.
Harrington wasn’t aware that the match referee, Yermek Suyenish from Kazakhstan, was the same official who oversaw Grainne Walsh’s defeat to Anna Luca Hamori. Despite Hamori receiving a warning and point deduction for holding Walsh in the second round, Walsh was still smothered without any further action. Harrington said, maintaining her focus as an athlete, she had no knowledge about these details, her concentration solely on her performance.
Harrington harbours an ambition, aiming to be the first Irish boxer, be it female or male, to clinch consecutive Olympic boxing championships. Nicola Adams of the UK and Clarissa Shields from the US, coached by Irishman Billy Walsh, have both triumphantly held onto their gold medals. Adams was victorious in the flyweight category in the London 2012 and Rio 2016 games, while Shields, now a professional boxer, claimed the gold in the middleweight category at the same events.
Looking ahead, Harrington’s forthcoming match is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. Similarly, Jude Gallagher is set to face Carlo Paalam from the Philippines in the 57kg class, while reigning European middleweight champion Aoife O’Rourke is to compete against Poland’s Elzbieta in the 75kg category.