Kellie Harrington Fueled by the Power of Love
The power of love is helping Kellie Harrington progress toward becoming a two-time Olympian.
The reigning Olympic champion outclassed Armenia’s Elida Kocharyan at the European Games to move to within touching distance of another major medal on Monday.
The victory at Nowy Targ Arena also moved the popular Dublin star to within nine minutes of securing a ticket to Paris and the 2024 Olympics, not that you’d know as much by talking to her.
Speaking after the win the St Mary’s BC fighter revealed she is more about fighting for pleasure than prizes at present, and believes her form is benefiting as a result.
“I haven’t thought too far ahead, I’m just here to enjoy myself, to be honest, I haven’t really been enjoying it for a while. I have got the hunger back in the last few camps we have had, I’ve been feeling the joy and feeling the love again. Whatever happens here happens, and whatever doesn’t happen, doesn’t,” says a fighter fancied by some to become the first Irish boxer to become a two time Olympic gold medal winner.
Reflecting on her second win in the tournament, Harrington revealed she had some concerns going in to fight Kocharyan, noting it would take a special performance to beat a special fighter.
“It didn’t feel so comfortable to be honest, I was quite nervous going in. I had seen that girl back in October in the Europeans in Montenegro, and I thought she was quite special, and she is special; she is one to watch, so it was a really good fight. I had the tactics spot on, so happy enough I move forward to the next one.”
Harrington will be back in action on Wednesday, where she will face Sweden’s Agnes Alexiusson, a fighter she holds wins over, in the quarter-final.Â
