Kellie Harrington Makes History With Back-To-Back Olympic Gold Medals

Kellie Harrington has made history after becoming the second Irish athlete to win gold medals at back to back Olympic games.

After she won gold in Tokyo in 2021, Kellie Harrington repeated the feat after beating China's Wenlu Yang by split decision to win her second consecutive Olympic gold medal at Roland Garros.

Kellie Harrington has become the first Irish athlete to win gold at back-to-back Olympic games since Dr Pat O'Callaghan achieved the feat in the hammer throw in 1928 and 1932.  

Harrington also follows a long list of Irish athletes who have won medals at back-to-back games, including O'Callaghan, as well as Paddy Barnes (bronze in boxing in 2008 and 2012) and Paul O’Donovan (double sculls silver and gold in 2016).

KELLIE HARRINGTON

A double Olympic Gold Medallist, defending her Olympic gold from Tokyo 🔥

You are an inspiration ✨#TeamIreland | #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/xmKjTSTM5w

— Team Ireland (@TeamIreland) August 6, 2024

“That’s the last hurrah” – Says Kellie Harrington

Speaking afterwards, Kellie Harrington stated that she has now retired from the sport.

“That’s the last hurrah, I’m done”, she stated. “I’ve always said I want to retire a champion. That’s it. Let me just say it once again, Bob’s your uncle, Fanny’s your aunt, good night Irene'”. 

Kellie also explained that her pre-fight plan was to “just be happy – happy, smile and enjoy it”.

Reflecting on what this win will mean for her community and her country, Harrington said: “It just gives hope. All these young kids all these teenagers, it give hope to them, it gives hope to the people of Ireland, that’s what it means. But this one was for me”. 

Harrington's feat has received many congratulatory messages, including Taoiseach Simon Harris and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, who shared messages via X.

See these reactions and more below. 

You’ve done it Kellie Harrington. Gold!!!!!

That was tough, strategic, smart!

Simply magnificent. The entire country is watching your celebrations with joy & is hoarse from shouting you on.

Two time Olympic Champion Kellie 🥇🥇

Paris 2024 - A record Olympics for Team Ireland pic.twitter.com/J5B4ccIeGP

— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) August 6, 2024

🇮🇪🥊She did it! Kellie Harrington makes history and brings the entire nation to its feet!

Double Olympic Champion!

The pride of Dublin’s North Inner City.

A national hero of Ireland. 👏#Paris2024 #TeamIreland pic.twitter.com/ymKOaduzzj

— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) August 6, 2024

🥊🥇 Congratulations to Kellie Harrington on winning gold and making history as the first ever Irish female Olympian to win back-to-back golds! 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/Z68kf8RTAZ

— Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) August 6, 2024

Congratulations to Kellie Harrington on her historic achievement in becoming a double Olympic champion with a wonderful Gold medal. A truly remarkable achievement by a phenomenal sportsperson

— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) August 6, 2024

Simply magnificent Kellie Harrington, back-to-back Olympic champion!

That was a boxing masterclass against a formidable rival.

You filled Irish hearts with pride again this week. An inspiration.

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) August 6, 2024