'I'm far from finished' vows Gráinne Walsh after Olympic exit

As she comes to terms with her exit from the Olympic Games, Offaly boxer Gráinne Walsh has expressed "devastation" at her defeat, but also pride at competing in Paris and a determination to continue her sporting journey.

The Tullamore woman lost on a split decision to Anna Luca Hamori on Sunday afternoon after a contest that never developed any real pattern or flow - largely due to persistent holding by the Hungarian boxer.

On social media today (Wednesday), Gráinne posted a message to her supporters, saying it was one she had tried to write "a million times" before deciding that "less is more" in this instance.

"Obviously I am devastated not to be progressing any further in the competition," Gráinne wrote on Instagram.

"However, making it to this point has been extremely difficult for me, and for that I am immensely proud. I will hold this experience, and every step to get here, close to my heart for the rest of my life."

She promised that she would be giving 100% backing to her Irish boxing teammates, and all of the Team Ireland athletes, for the remainder of the Olympics, adding that she was "so proud to be part of this incredible bunch of people".

"The five rings of the Olympics are not given, they are earned. And they represent so much more than what is seen during these two weeks: A lifetime of hard work, sacrifice, dedication and enjoyment."

Gráinne concluded her post today, as she did her post-fight interview on Sunday, by pledging that she would be back in the ring again in the future.

"I'm far from finished," she wrote.