Irish boxer Grainne Walsh has been controversially eliminated from an Olympic qualifying tournament in Italy this afternoon, with the Offaly woman losing to Polish fighter Aneta Rygielska in the quarter-final via a split decision.
Walsh entered the tournament knowing that a semi-final berth would have been enough to secure a place in Paris, something she looked like favourite to do after a dominant performance against Kenya's Anyango Friza yesterday.
However, despite being the more dominant fighter for much of her bout this afternoon, she came out on the wrong end of the judge's scorecards.
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Ireland's Grainne Walsh controversially loses out on Olympics place
Grainne Walsh looked to be in a strong position to win this fight. After a close first round, she would force her opponent into a standing count in the second round. In fact, Rygielska would also be deducted a point at this stage.
However, three of the judges would remarkably score that round to the Polish fighter. That would have a huge impact on the ultimate outcome of the bout.
Sick for Gráinne Walsh. The scoring of Round 2 is an all-time stinker. pic.twitter.com/n4Y2TveY3A
— Joe O'Neill (@J0E_90) March 11, 2024
Grainne Walsh made her opponent have a standing 8 count in the Olympic qualifier second round and 3 judges felt the Polish woman won that round…
— Dodge (@seidodge) March 11, 2024
Grainne Walsh the victim of a shocking decision at Olympic qualifier in Italy. Goes down 3-2 even though her Polish opponent was docked a point and was given a standing count in round 2. So unfair Walsh'sOlympic dream has been crushed by woeful judging #olympics #boxing
— Sean McGoldrick (@SeanMcGoldrick1) March 11, 2024
Aneta Rygielska would emerge victorious via a 3-2 split decision, securing her place in this summer's Olympics as a result.
It was a hugely controversial result, one that could well scupper Walsh's hopes of fighting in Paris. There is another Olympic qualifier on the horizon, although reigning world champion Amy Broadhurst could come under consideration for that spot despite losing to Walsh in the national finals earlier this year.
Grainne Walsh is a bronze medalist at European level, although she has yet to fight in the Olympics.
She is clearly unfortunate to have secured the chance to do so this afternoon, with her dream of reaching the event now in real jeopardy.
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