Irish Olympic gold medalist Kellie Harrington has confirmed that she will stay in the amateur ranks despite her heroics in Tokyo last month.
Harrington's future in amateur boxing has been the subject of much talk since returning home from Tokyo.
But she has put an end to that speculation by deciding to remain in the amateur game during a slightly surreal interview on the Late Late Show last night.
"I've made the decision, I'm going to stay amateur," Harrington told Ryan Tubridy from the back of a car. "It's not always about money."
“Less stress, more success”
Wise words from Olympic hero Kellie Harrington on why she won’t be turning pro. (Whilst getting a lift from Ryan and managing to keep a straight face 😂) #LateLate | @Kelly64kg pic.twitter.com/7ozMejgPSi— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) September 3, 2021
Harrington has received offers to join the professional ranks since winning gold in Tokyo.
But not even the lure of professional sport could make her leave amateur boxing, an arena where she has had unprecedented success.
"That's what people are saying - 'You can make a fortune out of this, you can go for that fight, you can go for this fight' and what have you. I just want to be amateur," she said.
Kellie Harrington Stays In The Amateur Boxing Ranks
"I'm very happy. I'm supported by Team Ireland and I have a great team with the set-up.
"They'll have half of my half of my half a million, do you know what I mean?
"Less stress, more success."
As recently as last month, Harrington explained that she has no interest in seeking the fame or money that comes with success.
So, perhaps it is no surprise that she has opted to stay in the amateur ranks.
"I'm not a fame-hogger or anything like that. That's not me. What is fame? I'm all about humility," she said.
"You can be famous and you know what. But my people are in my community and that's what means the most to me."
Going forward, her decision to stay means that she has yet another chance to win Olympic gold in Paris in 2024.
And that can only be a good thing going forward for Team Ireland and her hopes of more Olympic success.
SEE ALSO: Kellie Harrington: Fair City In Tokyo, Tourism In Portland Row, And Going Pro?
