Kellie Harrington made history after retaining her Olympic gold medal in Paris on Tuesday night. The popular Irishwoman became a double Olympic champion by besting Wenlu Yang at Roland Garros on Tuesday night. The 34-year-old was backed by a boisterous Irish crowd, who cheered her on towards her crowning glory. Compared to Tokyo, when Covid-19 regulations meant her family was not able to attend, her loved ones were able to travel last night. Amongst those who made the trip was wife Mandy, with whom Kellie shared in a loving embrace after the final bell.
The entire country was watching Kellie Harrington create history in Paris but her wife Mandy Loughlin can’t bear to watch. Mandy said she gets too nervous when Kellie gets inside the ring, so prefers to simply look away.
Both women are Dubliners but while the Harrington is a proud northsider from Portland Row, Mandy is from Foxrock. They have been together since 2009 after meeting through boxing as Mandy also competed at a high level before hanging up her gloves. She still teaches boxercise classes for work so they’re both lifelong fans of the sport.
Despite being a veteran of the sport, Mandy prefers not to watch Kellie’s fights as she finds it too nerve-racking. Speaking to The Irish Sun ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, she said: ‘I won’t be watching any of the fights. I’ll be holding the phone in anxiety texting everybody to see how she’s getting on. I can’t watch when she fights at all. I’ll be glued to my phone and I’ll have a few people who will text me updates. I haven’t watched a fight in a long long time.’
The Couple's Journey: From Boxing Ring to Wedding Bells
While Kellie has been captivating audiences with her impressive boxing skills, Mandy has been her steadfast supporter, cheering her on from the sidelines, albeit a bit nervously. Their love story, however, is as captivating as Kellie’s boxing career.
Their journey began in 2009 when they met through their shared passion for boxing. Mandy, a seasoned boxer herself, decided to hang up her gloves but continues to inspire others by teaching boxercise classes.
Despite her own experience in the ring, Mandy prefers not to watch Kellie’s fights, finding it too stressful. But her support is unwavering. “I’ll be holding the phone in anxiety texting everybody to see how she’s getting on,” she revealed in an interview with The Irish Sun before the Tokyo Olympics.
After a decade of love and mutual support, the couple took their relationship to the next level, exchanging vows in a beautiful ceremony in April 2022. The wedding was a celebration of their love and a testament to their enduring bond.
The Joy of Home and Family
Shortly after their wedding, Kellie and Mandy took a significant step in their lives - purchasing their first home together. They bought a house in north Dublin, a place where they could build memories and create a space of their own.
However, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. The housing crisis in Ireland made it difficult for even Olympic champions like Kellie to secure a mortgage. But their perseverance paid off, and they found a home that they could call their own.
In June, Kellie shared a glimpse of their newly refurbished home with her followers on Instagram, giving them a virtual tour of their space. The renovation reflected their unique taste and style, transforming the house into a cozy and welcoming haven.
Beyond the Ring: A New Chapter
With the Paris Olympics bringing Kellie's boxing career to a close, she has chosen to focus on the next chapter of her life - her family and home.
While Mandy may not be able to watch Kellie’s fights, their love story continues to inspire. From their shared passion for boxing to their journey of building a home together, Kellie and Mandy exemplify a love that transcends the confines of the boxing ring. They have created a life filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams.
The couple's journey is a testament to the enduring power of love and support. While Kellie has captivated the world with her boxing prowess, Mandy has quietly stood by her side, offering unwavering support and love. Their story is a reminder that true love is about being there for each other, through triumphs and challenges, in the ring and in life.
