European Games: Harrington 'feeling the joy' as she moves closer to Olympic qualification

The Olympic champion defeated Armenia's Elida Kocharyan by unanimous decision at the European Games in Poland on Monday. 

ON TRACK: Kellie Harrington of Ireland celebrates after defeating Elida Kocharyan of Armenia in the Women's 60kg Round of 16 at the Nowy Targ Arena during the European Games 2023 in Krakow. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Kellie Harrington is just one win away from a place at the Olympic Games in Paris after beating Armenia's Elida Kocharyan by unanimous decision at the European Games in Poland today. The lightweight (60kg) Olympic champion looked back to her brilliant best at the Nowy Targ Arena in the south of Poland, and was much the better fighter throughout, claiming a 5-0 victory.

"It didn't feel so comfortable, to be honest," said Harrington. "I was quite nervous coming in. I had seen that girl back in October at the Europeans in Montenegro and I thought she was special then, and she is special. She's one to watch. It was a really good fight, but I'm happy enough."