26-year-old Aoife O’Rourke’s Olympic prospects are looking promising after a victory in the middleweight final at the prestigious Strandja Memorial Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria on Sunday.
O’Rourke defeated Thailand’s southpaw Baison Manikon 3-2 to claim the title. Manikon is the reigning Asian U22 champion and was a Tokyo Olympian at welterweight.
Aoife O'Rourke (Castlerea BC) wins gold medal in the middleweight division at the Strandja Cup tournament in Sofia. Arguably this is most prestigious tournament outside championship events Qualified for the Paris Olympics she is emerging as a serious medal prospect #boxing
— Sean McGoldrick (@SeanMcGoldrick1) February 11, 2024
On her way to the final, double European champion O’Rourke had to defeat China’s Li Qian, who once ended the Castlerea boxer’s run at the Tokyo Olympics. Both women have already qualified for the Paris Olympics at 75 kg.
Team Ireland Paris qualified 75kg Aoife O’Rourke has just claimed Strandja 🥇following a 3-2 win over 🇹🇭in her final pic.twitter.com/wzNko08fsN
— IABA (@IABABOXING) February 11, 2024
O’Rourke’s victory ensures hopes for a medal are high as all eyes turn to Paris.