Eimear Ryan: Kellie Harrington shows indomitable spirit and a true champion’s heart

"...her mastery of both orthodox and southpaw stances means that she’s very difficult to plan against - the ultimate improviser"

Kellie Anne Harrington of Team Ireland celebrates with her gold medal during the medal ceremony for the Women's Light (57-60kg) on day sixteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games at Kokugikan Arena on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan.

Let’s start with the basics. As a boxer, Kellie Harrington’s technique is highly accomplished: flexible, adaptable, and – if you have the misfortune to be her opponent – unpredictable. 

Her background in kickboxing gives her a different approach to footwork, and her mastery of both orthodox and southpaw stances means that she’s very difficult to plan against, or to pin down in the ring. Harrington is the ultimate improviser.