Olympic hero Harrington ‘going out on a high’ says Athlone's Cheyanne

By Emily Sheehan

Kellie Harrington's remarkable feat of winning an Olympic gold medal for the second time last week came as no surprise to Athlone's Cheyanne O'Neill.

The Battery Heights native faced Kellie in the ring on two separate occasions, including in the 64kg National Elite Final in Dublin in 2016.

Having turned professional in 2022, Cheyanne was one of many Irish supporters who tuned in to see Kellie's Olympic gold medal success in Paris against Wenlu Yang of China.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent on Friday, Cheyanne commented on the importance of the fight, and on Kellie's legacy.

“She was absolutely brilliant, there's no doubt about it,” said Cheyanne.

“What a way to go out,” Cheyanne added, referring to the news that the Olympic final is to be the Dubliner's last bout.

“Kellie has put the years in, she's put the work in – she's been unreal for female boxing. She's done so much.”

Currently stationed in her native Athlone, Cheyanne serves with the Defence Forces full-time, and made the decision to turn professional while stationed in Lebanon as a peacekeeper.

Following her transition to the professional arena, Cheyanne has had three bouts, drawing one and winning two.

Her most recent fight saw her defeat Dutch boxer Tessa Van Stenus on points in Dublin's Red Cow Hotel on July 26.

However, Cheyanne's successes have also grown in her personal life.

She had a baby girl shortly after beginning her professional career, and recounted the “rollercoaster of emotions” that followed on her boxing journey.

“It's unbelievable,” Cheyanne said, though she noted that the “hardest thing” was to get back boxing again after the birth of her daughter, Riley, who is now a year and a half old.

“You don't notice the full difference in your body until you go back.

“For my first fight, it was just me and her,” she added, recounting that at the time her husband, Chris, was stationed overseas.

“I trained when (the baby) slept. It was really hard... I was really, really tired.”

“I'm so lucky to have the family that I have, and to have the support that I have,” she noted.

Following her recent victory in Dublin, Cheyanne is now looking ahead to more success in her future.

“I hope to start next year with a fight for an Irish title,” she said. “There's a lot to look forward to!”