KATIE TAYLOR HAS received worldwide acclaim following her stunning Gold medal triumph yesterday.
Reporting from Bray, the New York Times described Taylor as the “epitome of the strong-willed Irish lass”.
The paper’s reporter, Barry Bearak, also wrote: “For the Irish, Katie Taylor is more than a great athlete sprung from the native soil; people speak of her as if she has sprung from themselves, for she seems everyone’s sister, their daughter, their friend.”
The Los Angeles Times examined what Taylor’s victory might mean in a historical context, with Bill Dwyre writing:
“History told us of Babe Didrikson Zaharias, then of Fanny Blankers-Koen. Legends grew around Dawn Fraser and Olga Connolly; also Joan Benoit and now Kim Rhode.
“They are Olympic women. Hear them roar.
“Someday, given what took place at a boxing arena in the far reaches of the London Olympics on Monday afternoon, the name Katie Taylor may be on the list.”
The Guardian were similarly generous in their praise, with Zoe Williams noting that “Taylor is a giant of Irish boxing – Irish, European, World and now Olympic champion – a showman and a folk heroine”.
The crowd at the fight were also saluted, with Williams writing that “there wasn’t a soul in the stadium who wasn’t Irish” and adding:
“I have new respect for this boxing crowd, who contained their disappointment far better than the equestrian bunch did last week. Obviously there was disappointment in the air, especially when Ochigava pulled into the lead in the second round; but it was more like an involuntary huff, the air going out of the room. Certainly, there was nothing like a groan and we never even got close to a boo.”
The Arab Times referred to Taylor’s performance as “cagey,” but said her victory capped a “scintillating career,” noting that the crowd was “desperate” for her to secure victory.
The Australian newspaper, The Age, described Taylor’s fans as “ludicrously impassioned”.
The paper also explained the significance of Taylor’s influence on women’s boxing, saying she “has emerged as the perfect face to take the sport to the next level”.
Metro France called the atmosphere during the fight “touching,” adding that it was “probably one of the most grandiose atmospheres of these games”.
It also focused heavily on her footballing talents, speculating as to whether she may end up moving to Arsenal.
Taz.de looked at what Taylor’s victory means for Ireland in general, suggesting that “the whole city [of Dublin] seems on its feet,” in addition to other parts of the country.It adds that Taylor’s performance brought significant cheer to the country, following the financial crisis, the “lousy” weather and “disaster” of a performance from the Irish football team at the Euros.
The Daily Telegraph, meanwhile, perhaps partially as a sort of apology for their recent faux pas, offered the highest praise of all:
“Taylor is just getting started. She will go on to become the greatest woman boxer of all time.”
Hear, hear.
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