Katie Taylor (born 2 July 1986) is an Irish sportswoman who has competed in both boxing and association football. Hugely popular in Ireland, she is credited with raising the profile of women's boxing at home and abroad, and in 2016 turned professional. Regarded as the outstanding Irish athlete of her generation, she was the flag bearer for Ireland at the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony before going on to win an Olympic gold medal in the lightweight division. She has also won five consecutive gold medals at the Women's World Championships, six gold medals at the European Championships, and five gold medals at the European Union Championships.