Kellie Harrington has officially retired from boxing, and with that, ends the career of Ireland's greatest ever amateur boxer.
With two gold medals in the back pocket, there is nothing more for Harrington to achieve in the sport, and at 34 years old, it's the perfect time to walk away while on top.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, the double champion reveals that she is unsure about what the next chapter might hold for her now that she has hung up the gloves.
I think the fact that I know that I am now done, and the fact that I am finishing this way ... ‘cos a lot of the time people don’t know when to finish, and I’m happy that I am making that decision to finish it this way, my way, and go out as a double Olympic champion.
“That’s it, that was it, done, dusted, I’ve nothing more to prove, not even to myself, which is the most important thing.
“I don’t know. I still have my [part-time cleaning] job but they are knocking that hospital down bit by bit so who knows?
“I’ve only started to think of that in the last two hours.”
For all the years, all the rounds, all the joy - thank, you, Kellie.
Kellie Harrington has confirmed that her 101st international bout, where she claimed her historic 2nd Olympic Gold, was her last.
Her 19 year contribution to Irish Boxing, and Irish Society, is immense and… pic.twitter.com/gvbzee50ZD
— IABA (@IABABOXING) August 8, 2024
Competing as a boxer might be out of the question, but it doesn't necessarily mean that the Dublin native will be done with the sport entirely.
Old comments from her autobiography Kellie suggest that we could be seeing the champ back in the ring, but only this time, it will be in the fighter's corner.
READ HERE: Irish Athlete Gives Searingly Honest Interview After Missing Out On Olympic Final
We’ve had female coaches, but they come and they go; they get disheartened because there isn’t a lot of support for them. Boxing is a male-dominated sport and, often, women coaches aren’t confident in their ability.
When I stop boxing, I’d love to stay involved in the sport. I think I could be a good asset to any team. I wouldn’t let any man push me around or let him think that he knows more than I do, or that he’s more deserving than I am.
I wouldn’t lack assertiveness; I’ve had to be assertive. And I’ve a lot to give back, lots of experience, and not just in boxing – in life. I can help women get mentally stronger, as well as physically stronger and tactically better.
Of course this was written before she won her second gold medal, but if Harrington does decide to go into coaching, then it would be to the benefit of all boxers in Ireland.
Who wouldn't want your country's greatest Olympian in your corner, especially if you are a female fighter who dreamed of following in her footsteps.
