TOKYO: Ireland grabbed its third medal of the Tokyo Olympics, but missed out on gold or silver after boxer Aidan Walsh was pulled out of his semi-final match owing to an ankle injury sustained while celebrating his quarterfinal victory.
Walsh, from Belfast, jumped up and down in delight and landed awkwardly on his ankle as the verdict was announced, defeating Merven Clair of Mauritius 4:1 on Friday to advance to the medal rounds.
Walsh sprained his ankle, according to the Irish team, and he was seen leaving the Kokugikan Arena in a wheelchair later Friday.
Boxing officials announced yesterday that the Irish fighter did not show up for the medical check and weigh-in before to his scheduled battle with Britain’s Pat McCormack, who advances to the gold medal bout by walkover.
Later, the Irish team confirmed that Walsh was out of the Olympics and that he could take home the bronze medal which he won in the quarter-finals.
Team Ireland’s boxing performance director Bernard Dunne said: “As Aidan came out of the ring, he said he felt a bit sore in his ankle. From there we started to monitor it and give him opportunity that we possibly could to compete. We gave him till the last second today before that final decision was made.
“He was hopeful. We were hopeful. He wanted to get into the ring but unfortunately his body just wouldn’t let him.
“What Aidan did this week is an incredible achievement. His performance throughout the tournament has been outstanding, and it is great to see him write his name in the annals of Irish sport.”
Walsh has become Ireland’s 16th boxing Olympic medallist. Two more Irish boxers are still in the hunt for medals.
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