Amy Broadhurst’s bid to qualify for the Olympics has come to an unsuccessful conclusion after a defeat in the quarter-final of the ongoing qualifying event in Bangkok.
Broadhurst, a previous World, European and Commonwealth champion, lost 4-1 to Yeonji Oh of Korea in the last eight on Friday. Only the top three fighters in the 60kg division make it to Paris.
The Louth native was fighting for Great Britain after changing allegiance following Ireland’s decision not to select her for this qualifying event.
“My heart hurts like it’s never hurt before,” said Broadhurst on Instagram after the defeat. “There was a dream inside of me since I was a little girl and today that flame slowly died out.
Your complete guide to all the festive sporting action including TV details
Irish Times Sportswoman of the Year Awards: ‘The greatest collection of women in Irish sport in one place ever assembled’
Two-time Olympic champion Kellie Harrington named Irish Times/Sport Ireland Sportswoman of the Year 2024
Pub staff struggled to keep up with giddy Shamrock Rovers fans who enjoyed every moment of Chelsea trip
“My whole life has been about the Olympic Games, I made my life all about boxing and today I suffered my biggest blow. Some people might criticise my decision for switching allegiance, those people are probably sitting at home who wouldn’t have a pair of balls to do what I done.
“I ticked every box in the book, I trained my ass off and I done everything correctly and I’m proud of myself.”
Meanwhile Belfast man Aidan Walsh faces a box off to once again represent Ireland at the Olympics after his defeat in the quarter-finals of the 71kg category in Thailand. Walsh, who won a bronze medal at the previous games in Tokyo, lost 4-1 to Jordan’s Zeyad Eashash.
With five places available at his weight, Walsh will get another chance to qualify for Paris.
- Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
- Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
- Listen to our Inside Politics podcast for the best political chat and analysis