Round of 16 Reigning lightweight champion Kellie Harrington began her Olympic Games in the way she left off in Tokyo, with a win over Italy’s Alessia Mesiano that was full of polish and control .
Italy's Alessia Mesiano (in blue) fighting against Ireland's Kellie Harrington in their round of 16 fight. Photograph: Getty Images Ireland’s Kellie Harrington and Alessia Mesiano of Italy trade blows. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho Harrington is declared the winner. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho Kellie Harrington celebrates winning after the bout. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho Quarter-finals Such was Harrington’s control and domination over Paola Valdes Pana of Colombia in her quarter-final bout in a North Paris Arena adorned with tricolours that the defending Olympic champion went into her semi-final having not dropped a round.
Kellie Harrington prepares to enter the ring against Angie Paola Valdes Pana. Photograph: James Crombie Kellie Harrington (red) in action against Angie Paola Valdes Pana. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho Kellie Harrington lands a blow on Angie Paola Valdes Pana in their quarter-final. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA Wire.
Kellie Harrington is announced as the winner over Angie Paola Valdes Pana. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho Semi-finals Kellie Harrington became the first Irish boxer to make it to two Olympic finals after a 4-1 split decision over Brazil’s Beatriz Ferreira.
Kellie Harrington makes her way to the ring to meet Beatriz Iasmin Soares Ferreira of Brazil in the semi-finals. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho Ireland’s Kellie Harrington and Beatriz Iasmin Soares Ferreira of Brazil get to grips with each other. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho Kellie Harrington celebrates after being declared the winner. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho Kellie Harrington sinks to her knees after reaching another Olympic final. Photograph: Richard Pelham/Getty Images Final The defending lightweight champion etches her name in Irish sporting history with a 4-1 win over China’s Wenlu Yang to earn her second gold medal.
Ireland’s Kellie Harrington makes her entrance. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho Kellie Harrington lands a blow on Wenlu Yang of China. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho Kellie Harrington takes a tumble after a tangle with Wenlu Yang. Photograph: Richard Pelham/Getty Images Kellie Harrington lands a right hand over the top. Photograph: Getty Images) Kellie Harrington reacts after being declared the winner. Photograph: Getty Images Ireland’s Kellie Harrington celebrates winning gold medal with coach Zaur Antia. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho Kellie Harrington celebrates on the podium with her gold medal. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho