New York writer Annie Lanzillotto says her friend Kellie Harrington is "saving lives" and "a glorious example to Ireland's gay youth" after winning gold at the Paris Olympics .
The proud boxer triumphed over China's Wenlu Yang at Roland Garros in the women's 60kg final, bagging her second consecutive Olympic gold medal. Post victory, the 34-year-old shared a kiss with her wife, Mandy, as she announced her decision to "retire a champion".
On Tuesday night, Annie Lanzillotto, 61, joined thousands of other supporters "pumped full of adrenaline" in Dublin's Diamond Park to cheer on the local hero, who became Ireland's first female back-to-back Olympic champion .
"I couldn't sleep - Dublin was up all night," Lanzilloto told IrishStar.com . "Kellie is saving lives. I don't know if she realizes it but giving confidence to young girls and the gay youth saves them from jumping off bridges or not believing in themselves. How she honors her community and praises her family , ancestors, and Portland Row is rare.
"She never elevates herself above the rest. I've seen so many people get ex-communicated or have to extricate themselves from their neighborhood and queer youth running away from their families to save their lives.
"I've been a gay activist my whole adult life and I've never seen little boys write the name of a female athlete on their head, imitate her, run around shouting her name, and be totally inspired.
"It's about being comfortable with your body, your strength, and who you are and where you come from, and that's what Kellie embodies. For her queerness to not even be a thing is a great accomplishment for Ireland . She is a gift."
Annie, whose writing mainly involves LGBTQ+ lives, domestic violence, intergenerational trauma and post-war CPTSD, met Kellie at Glenstal Abbey, a Catholic Benedictine monastery retreat in Co Limerick , two years ago.
The pair "hit it off" over their their working class roots - Annie is from the Bronx and Kellie is from Portland Row in Dublin's Northside - and have kept in touch ever since. Annie was so tickled by Kellie's declaration to RTE after being crowned the champion, and moved by the Irish classic she belted out after the win , that she shot Kellie a message.
"After winning, Kellie declared: 'It's the last hurrah. I'm done... Bob's your uncle, Fanny's your auntie, goodnight Irene.' I texted her saying, you do realize that's being translated into hundreds of languages across the world!"
Kellie hasn't been without her aches and pains over the years , Annie explained, but "dug deep into her soul" to make it through the evening. The New Yorker praised her "humble" pal and referred to the Olympian's part-time job as a cleaner at St Vincent's Hospital where she continues to work even after 11 years and many boxing titles to her name.
"The last time she won gold she greeted her hospital patients down Portland Row during her homecoming. She loves her job because it's of service to others. Even at the monastery, she was the first one up to do the dishes.
"Everyone in Diamond Park was crying tears of joy. Ireland has faced so much oppression throughout its history but has survived through humor and a fighting spirit. Kellie is emblematic of all of that.
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"I feel so lucky to be in Dublin for this moment , and glad to be alive to see Kellie give us something to celebrate in a time where it's near impossible to do so. Dublin 1 has shown me what a neighborhood is . That's down to Kellie."
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