Castlerea’s Aoife O’Rourke has booked her place at this summer’s Olympic Games after a fantastic victory over Poland’s Ela Wojcik.
O’Rourke produced a scintillating final round to win her European Olympic qualifier quarter-final on an unanimous decision and book a place in Tokyo 2020.
O’Rourke didn’t have it all her own way and the five judges all awarded the Pole Wojcik the first round 10-9. Although a tight round it was Good left at by Wojcik which swung the judges in her favour.
The second round was a big turning point in the contest with O’Rourke marginally in front Wojcik collected a point deduction half-way through the round.
The deduction spurred the Pol back into recovery and land a stinging two shot combo right on the bell, however the judges still tipped the round to O’Rourke 10-9 by all five, not accounting for the one point deduction.
The Roscommon woman was superb in the final round, showing fitness and endurance as she landed a number of big hits, particular the first within moments of the opening bell.
O’Rourke counted to press for an advantage with Wojick visibly tirying, even allowing a big recovery shot having being pushed into the corner with 1:40 left on the clock.
However it was O’Rourke who showed endurance forcing Wojick onto the back foot and seeing the Pol receive a standing count with 53 second left in the contest.
That was enough to seal a unanimous victory 29-27, 29-27, 29-26, 29-27, 29-27 and secure a place at this summer’s Olympic games.
