Double Olympic champion Harrington to return

Kellie Harrington, a two-time Olympian champion, has confirmed her retirement plans.

The Dubliner won lightweight gold at Tokyo’s delayed 2020 Games and defended her title at Paris’ 2024 competitions.

Harrington announced her retirement from boxing after winning the title match against China’s Yang Wenlu at Stade Roland Garros. She became the first Irish boxer to win two gold medals at the same Olympics.

However, there were reports that the 35-year-old was back in training and had made the decision to return to the ring. She told the Irish Times that she intends to compete in the Irish Elite Championships in January.

“A year of living somewhat normal is not for me,” I said. Simply put, it’s not for me for the moment. she stated.

In December, I’ll turn 36. Why not, then? Nothing can be said about the [next] Olympics or anything similar. I’m well-known to everyone. Never say anything about winning or competing in the Olympics. I never stop looking at one fight or competition at one. And I’m doing that as well.

But I do think for a moment and wonder if I hadn’t tried it once more. I’m fairly healthy and fit. I’m currently struggling with a few niggles, but overall I’m healthy. Why wouldn’t I, then?

Before moving on to the Irish Elite Championships in January, where she will compete for her 12th title, Harrington will first enter the ropes in Dublin in December for a night of exhibition boxing.

If that is to occur, it will likely give people a chance to enter the Olympic qualifiers from the following year.

The biggest step of all is the first, she continued, “it’s all small steps and small steps.”

After Paris, Harrington had helped out with sparring at Ireland’s High Performance Unit, but she had not yet fully recovered from boxing.

The Irish Athletic Boxing Association [IABA] who praised her return said they are “honoured” to back up her decision.

High Performance Director Jon Mackey praised IABA’s High Performance Unit for supporting Kellie over the past year as she transitioned after Paris.

She has spent the past 12 months active and a significant component of High Performance life.

“We’re delighted Kellie chose to fight for her 12th Elite title at Irish Boxing’s home on January 1, and we’re excited to do so with a special event at the Mansion House on December 2.