Boxing has been part of every Games since 1920, and has put many a Briton on the path to major titles in the professional sport. However, it faces an uncertain long-term future after its place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics was put “on hold” by the International Olympic Committee. The relief in Richardson’s corner was tangible after a victory which ensured the team did not go home quite yet.
It had until then been as bad as 1996, when Great Britain sent two boxers to Atlanta – David Burke and Fola Okesola – but both were beaten in their opening bouts.
Two more went to Sydney in 2000, where Audley Harrison’s gold started a revolution in how elite amateur boxing functioned in Britain. A silver for Amir Khan in Athens in 2004 then sparked a medal rush.
Various explanations have been offered for five out of six defeats in Paris, but Reid cut a philosophical figure in the mixed zone.
“I feel so blessed just to have qualified and boxed the rest in the world,” she said. “Whatever happens now I am an Olympian. It’s something that cannot be taken off me and it’ll stick with me for the rest of my life.
“I feel so blessed to have been part of this team, just to be here with the best team and support staff. We have all been sticking together and supporting each other.”