Katie Taylor went down swinging. ‘Til the very last.
The Irish boxing legend was eliminated from the Women’s Light 57-60kg at the quarter-final stage and bowed out with all the respect and gratitude that a hero like her has earned.
Finland’s Mira Potkonen denied the Olympic champion a medal spot by ousting her on a split decision and the Wicklow native’s defeat sent shockwaves through the sport and through her proud country.
The five-time world champion went out of the Olympics but she went out with her held high. She went out with the admiration for her still in tact.
Gutted was the word.
https://twitter.com/sarahdeburca/status/765191350950236160
Devastated for @KatieTaylor. She gave her best but just came up short. Hats off to her for all of her success
— Willam Twomey (@willatc10) August 15, 2016
Heartbroken for @KatieTaylor a true hero! #Rio2016
— Ciara O'Callaghan (@OCallaghanCiara) August 15, 2016
It didn’t change anyone’s views on her.
Devastated for @KatieTaylor!! Still the greatest champion in my eyes! 💪🏻👏🏻🇮🇪☘ #Rio2016 #Boxing
— Emma 🏳️🌈 (@loonaticloo) August 15, 2016
Devastated for you @KatieTaylor .. 🙈 Your a true champion and always our number 1! ❤️☘ #boxing #IRL #Olympics
— Christina Desmond (@Tina_Desmond) August 15, 2016
It should go without saying that Katie Taylor is already an Irish sporting legend, today doesn't change that. #Rio2016 #Boxing
— Fintan O’Toolbox (@FintanOToolbox) August 15, 2016
Not everyone was convinced by the result.
Think that was a strange decision. Katie Taylor did enough to win in my eyes. Don't agree with the result. Has denied us a medal now
— 🟪🟨𝕂𝕒𝕪𝕝𝕖𝕚𝕘𝕙 𝔸𝕞𝕓𝕖𝕣 𝕃𝕠𝕨𝕖🟪🟨 (@SweetFreedom95) August 15, 2016
https://twitter.com/IMTonyKenny/status/765191349796732928
Plenty were though, in fairness.
Definitely the right call, Katie Taylor well beaten by the Finnish boxer unfortunately #Rio2016 #ireland
— Michael Kiernan (@mikier) August 15, 2016
Hard luck Katie Taylor,I think the Finn deserved that though #Olympics
— citizen 🇮🇪 🤝 🇵🇸 (@Citizen_YBIG) August 15, 2016
No-one enjoyed seeing her in tears.
Heart breaking interview there with @KatieTaylor . Head up. Legend. #Rio2016
— Rory's Stories (@RorysStories) August 15, 2016
https://twitter.com/jburns834/status/765192650093916160
Jaysus that interview is heart wrenching #katietaylor
— John O'Donovan (@j_goddy) August 15, 2016
And she’ll always be a hero.
@KatieTaylor is still my hero 🍀👊💥
— Lise-Ann O'Neill (@LiseannONeill) August 15, 2016
https://twitter.com/Mr_LukeBenson/status/765192886346452992
https://twitter.com/Helenmcq86/status/765193874130239488
#IRL Katie Taylor defeated in her lightweight quarter-final by Mira Potkonen of #FIN #InphoInRio #Boxing #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/5CJJpwGGx9
— Inpho Photography (@Inphosports) August 15, 2016
She’s left a legacy no matter what.
Katie Taylor's dominance was never going to last forever. Tough day, but still one of the best athletes Ireland has ever produced.
— James Brophy (@JBrophy2705) August 15, 2016
For everything you have done not only for Irish boxing but for showing women we can achieve greatness thank you @KatieTaylor #TeamIreland
— marie-clare (@sweetirishf) August 15, 2016
Thank you, Katie. You’ll be back.
