Mossely celebrates birthday with gold

Mossely celebrates birthday with gold

August 21, 2016
France's Estelle Mossely poses on the podium with a gold medal after winning the 57-60kg boxing bout at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games Friday. — AFP
France's Estelle Mossely poses on the podium with a gold medal after winning the 57-60kg boxing bout at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games Friday. — AFP

RIO DE JANEIRO — France’s Estelle Mossely celebrated her 24th birthday in style Friday after coming from behind to win the women’s Olympic lightweight gold medal.

On a day of double delight, she had earlier watched boyfriend Tony Yoka set himself up for a shot at gold in the same ring by punching through to Sunday’s super-heavyweight final.

Yin Junhua, beaten on a split decision after the four rounds had ended with the women level on the three judges’ scorecards, took the silver for China’s first medal of the boxing competition.

Losing semifinalists Mira Potkonen of Finland, a 35-year-old mother of two, and Anastasia Belyakova of Russia took bronze medals.

“It’s a beautiful birthday present,” said Mossely. “A present that rewards all those years of sacrifice, those years of intense, hard training while also studying and working.” With Yoka fancying his chances against Britain’s Joe Joyce in his final, there is every chance of France hailing a new golden couple.

“It would be magical for both of us to return home with gold. My half of the deal has been done. Now he has to do the other half,” she said. “All I can say to him is to do his best and have no regrets.”.


August 21, 2016
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