First aim achieved for emotional Grainne Walsh

June 26, 2019June 28, 2019 Jonny Stapleton

No longer is a target achieved than a new target is set in the High Performance set up.

It’s been quite noticeable that any big boxing win in the 2019 European Games has been followed by an interview in which each competitor makes sure to confirm they are set on securing more success.

Michaela Walsh put it best not long after she secured bronze by stressing she was ‘proud but not satisfied’ after knocking the reigning world champion out of the contest.

Check out some more inspiring sports quotes HERE.

Grainne Walsh sang off a similar hymn sheet when she achieved the same level of success with a similarly sensational display.

However, while the Spartacus welterweight is set on upgrading her bronze medal to silver or gold she couldn’t hide her delight post her win over European champion and World Championship bronze medal winner Elina Gustafsson in Minsk today.

“I swear, this is what dreams are made of, like. I’m actually a bit emotional but it’s a great achievement. I’m just delighted with myself,” she said before reflecting on a tough run of fights.

“I felt my technique and my speed would be enough to beat her, and thank God I tried to stick to the plan as much as I could — as always.

“But I’m just delighted. I had to bite down hard. That’s two tough fights, now, in three days.”

Typical of the driven mindset within the Irish boxing camp Walsh wasn’t long about looking forward.

The Tullamore native wants gold and within seconds of victory was re decorating her vision board and goal charts.

“But the job’s only half-done: I’m fully focused to go the whole way.

“First, aim for the podium, then you’re aiming all the way to the top. The more fights you have, the fitter you get, the sharper you get, so…

“I’m rearing to go for the next round!”

The win see’s Walsh join light fly Regan Buckley, middleweight Michael Nevin, featherweight Michaela Walsh and bantamweight Kurt Walker on the podium of the second European Games.

Ireland can add to their tally tonight as reigning world champion Kellie Harrington and Aoife O’Rourke both fight for semi final berths.

Irish squad

Female

57kg Michaela Walsh (Monsktown A)

60kg Kellie Harrington (St Marys)

69kg Gráinne Walsh (Spartacus)

75kg Aoife O’Rourke (Castlerea)

Male

49kg Regan Buckley (St Teresa’s) (Bronze, at least)

56kg Kurt Walker (Canal)

64kg James McGivern (St George’s)

69kg Kieran Molloy (Oughterard)

75kg Michael Nevin (Portlaoise) (Bronze, at least)

91kg Tony Browne (St Michael’s Dublin)

91kg+ Dean Gardiner (Clonmel)

Team manager: Bernard Dunne

Coaches: Zaur Antia, John Conlan, Dmitry Dimitruk

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