DANIEL Wiffen and Rhys McClenaghan have set the gold standard so in Paris – and both have backed Kellie Harrington to follow their lead when she bids to retain her Olympic crown on Tuesday night.
Having topped the podium in Tokyo three years ago, the 34-year-old is out to repeat the trick when she takes on China’s Yang Wenlu in the lightweight decider at Roland Garros at 10.08pm Irish time.
While Wiffen is still preparing for his open water marathon swim in the Seine on Friday morning, McClenaghan hopes to be watching the fight from ringside – and believes Harrington will go on to become a double Olympic gold medallist.
“I think so,” said the Newtownards gymnast moments after last night’s Champions’ Parade at the Trocadero, “she’s looking better than ever in my eyes and her mind is in a good place, so I’ll support her all the way.
“I always related with the boxers the most out of any sport. It’s just that champion mindset, I’m going to win this fight, it’s the same for me, I’m going to win this competition, I’m going to put my all into this.”
Wiffen and Harrington, meanwhile, formed a bond during an appearance on the Late, Late Show earlier this year, and the Armagh swimmer expects the Dubliner to seal the deal at the home of French tennis.
“Me and Kellie are very good friends actually, which maybe a lot of people didn’t know. I can’t wait to watch her fight, I’ve watched every single round so far.
“I was talking to her this morning, she was loving the gold medal, I was showing her it and everything. She’s ready for it, I’m sure she’s going to put on a show and show how world class she is.
“She’s unmatched. I don’t really watch much boxing, but I watch her fight every time and she’s way levels above her opponents.”
