Kellie Harrington's partner has said the last week has been "like a dream unfolding from day to day".
Mandy Loughlin said she never doubted Kellie for a minute and that she has the whole package, with the support of her coaches, club and family and friends.
Speaking to the Ryan Tubridy Show on RTÉ Radio, she said that Covid-19 had resulted in a lack of preparation because the usual competitions did not run.
However, she added, Kellie flew through the Olympics and this gave her the confidence that she needed.
"It is so rare to find everything that Kellie has together," she said, adding that she does not know where she finds the energy to do all she does and give so much to other people.
"She brings 110% to whatever she does. She brings the craic, she brings passion and excitement. If you meet Kellie and you are talking to her, she just makes you want to be a better person."
Mandy said she hopes to spend some time together with Kellie when she comes home, but that she and Kellie's family are "ready to go with the flow" and see if they can help her relax once she gets home tomorrow.
"I never doubted Kellie for a minute."@Kelly64kg lifted the spirits of the nation yesterday when she won Olympic Gold in #Toyko2020
— RTÉ Radio 1 (@RTERadio1) August 9, 2021
Kellie's partner, Mandy joined @RyanTubridyShow in celebratory form to talk about the phenomenal achievement. 🥇 pic.twitter.com/xJUP7bfKYX
She revealed that she did not watch any of Kellie's fights live, saying she does not know why, but she cannot bring herself to watch her fight, opting to walk their dogs Nidge and Macy instead.
However, because the fights in Tokyo were in the middle of the night in Ireland, she said it resulted in a lot of sleepless nights.
Yesterday was the first time she went to Portland Row to watch a match and she said the energy was unbelievable.
"It was just magical," she said.
The pair met around 13 years ago at a boxing club in Bray.
The Olympic champion will return from Tokyo with her boxing team and the remaining athletes from Team Ireland.
Talks are continuing between Dublin City Council and locals about how Covid safe celebrations can be held to allow her family and community mark the homecoming of the gold medallist.
However, Dublin City Council has said no formal civic reception can be held at this time.
Team Ireland will not be coming through the normal arrivals area of Dublin Airport and members of the public will not be permitted into the airport for their arrival.
