Emmet Brennan's Olympic dream is over, but the Dubliner can hold his head high after an impressive performance against one of the most highly rated names in amateur boxing circles.
Making his first appearance at the games, the 30-year old was handed the unenviable task of taking on Uzbek Dilshodbex Ruzmetov in the first round, a world silver medalist in the light heavyweight division.
He entered as a huge underdog, but the fight was closer than many would have expected. Brennan put in a huge performance, but the judges would ultimately the bout in Ruzmetov's favour.
It ends what has been a remarkable few years for the North Strand man.
He was on the verge of quitting the sport only four years ago, then deciding to give it one last push in the hopes of making it to Tokyo. He took out a loan to support himself, training full-time while also holding down a part-time job.
When he finally qualified for the games at the start of June, it completed a stunning rise.
Speaking to RTÉ after the fight, Brennan was hugely emotional about the loss, believing he had what it took to win. He also thanked his family for the support they have given him in helping achieve his dream of becoming an Olympian.
"It's heartbreaking." An emotional Emmet Brennan speaks openly after his narrow defeat to Dilshod Ruzmetov in the men's 81kg light-heavyweight division.#Tokyo2020 #RTESport #Olympics
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Live updates - https://t.co/ZVw5MfA4h8 pic.twitter.com/tD1E4bwP8l— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) July 25, 2021
It's tough. I knew he was good, but I have the belief that I can beat anyone. I knew it was going ti be a tough task, but I did think I was going to win.
He was very sharp, a very good counter boxer. I spoiled it a bit, but he did what he had to do to win the fight.
It's gutting, absolutely gutting...
I put a huge effort in to get here, without my family I wouldn't be here. I know I didn't let them down, you want to win.
I have taken Credit Union loans out, worked part-time and trained full-time. My family were the big support...
That was the goal (to be an olympian), but when you get there you want to further yourself and move on.
I have been injured for six months. It's the biggest fight of your life and your body lets you down. It's tough.
It was elbows, shoulders, ribs. I got a smack in the ribs at the end of the first round. I've done about two rounds of sparring since the qualifiers, and I did five rounds of sparring before the qualifiers.
I thought the rib was alright, it was until the last 20 seconds of the first round when he caught me and took the wind out of me.
Can I just say a huge thank you to everyone at home in Dublin for their support. It's been unreal. I never thought I would get this.
It's heartbreaking.
Brennan certainly does not need to apologise for the outcome of the fight.
He can be massively proud of his performance against a medal favourite.
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