Kellie Harrington achieved Olympics history by becoming the first Irish boxer to ever win back-to-back gold medals at the event.
The Dubliner put on a clinic as she had way too much for 60kg rival Yang Wenlu of China, who notably beat Harrington back in 2016.
Harrington made a brilliant start in winning the opening round convincingly 4-1 in front of a partisan Irish crowd.
The emphatic opening round win forced Yang to go on the front-foot in round two, but the dominant Harrington dodged her rival's efforts.
The 34-year-old knew that she had to avoid disaster in the final round to get the job done and duly matched her opponent to secure her historic victory in Paris.
Harrington cut an emotional figure as she took in her victory after her arm was raised in the confines of the famed Roland Garros.
6 August 2024; Kellie Harrington of Team Ireland celebrates defeating Wenlu Yang of Team People's Republic of China in their women's 60kg final bout at Court Philippe-Chatrier in Roland Garros Stadium during the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
The venue is famous for staging the French Open - which is one of Tennis' four coveted Grand Slam venues.
The Dubliner had produced one of the best performances of her career to secure victory over Brazil's Beatriz Ferreira in their semi-final bout but her levels did not drop with a gold medal up for grabs.
GOLD FOR HARRINGTON!
What a legend!#RTESport #Paris2024
📺 Watch https://t.co/b2OI4OoWVJ
📱Updates https://t.co/c67AsBzqqS pic.twitter.com/QJqtkCUQ7X— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 6, 2024
Kellie Harrington announces retirement in brilliant interview after gold medal win
Harrington was in jubilant form as she spoke to RTE's Joe Stack after her win, already holding the microphone when the camera cut to her on the network.
She was quick to praise her team and those who were supporting her, before announcing that she would retire on a high.
This is my great team of coaches here and we have Noel over here who is also my coach and one of my best friends and I didn't think he'd be here today and it is just the best surprise!" she said.
"It just gives hope to all these young kids, all these teenagers, it gives hope to them.
"It gives hope to the people of Ireland - that is what it means! This one was for me!"
Asked what the plan was going into the fight, Harrington stressed her plan to enjoy the bout before stating that she would retire as an Olympic champion.
'Just to be happy. Just to smile, be happy and enjoy it," she said.
"It is the last hurrah! I am done! I always said I wanted to retire a champion. That's it!
"Let me just say once again. Bob's your uncle. Fanny's your aunt. Good night Irene!"
An ecstatic Kelie Harrington gives a shout out to all her coaches on her way to collecting a second gold medal#RTESport #Paris2024
📺 Watch https://t.co/b2OI4OoWVJ
📱Updates https://t.co/c67AsBzqqS pic.twitter.com/DGEaujG2SN— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 6, 2024
A brilliant interview after a brilliant win.
Harrington will undoubtedly retire as one of the greatest ever Irish athletes to represent her country at the Olympics.
