Nicolson was one step away from the podium and taking on Great Britain’s World championship bronze medallist Karris Artingstall.

There was nothing between the two southpaws, Nicolson counter punching and moving brilliantly against a woman who fought coming forward.

The first round was split with three of the five judges giving it to the Brit while two awarded the points to Nicolson. Then in the second, Nicolson looked to be getting on top and she took a slender lead into the final round.

There was next to nothing between the two in the third round, both landing scoring punches, and both beginning to tire. When the final bell sounded, Nicolson and Artingstall both lifted their arms in victory and then came together nervously in centre ring for the decision.

The 3/2 split decision left Nicolson shattered. Heartbroken, she dropped to her knees before rising again and congratulating her opponent. After the fight, Nicolson was fighting back tears when she spoke to the media.

Asked how she felt Nicolson replied, “Just disappointment, it’s hard to put into words right now.”

When told that no Australian female boxer had ever progressed in an Olympic tournament, Nicolson replied “that means nothing to me, I care about what I know I’m capable of and not achieving it is just so heartbreaking. I came here with one goal and that was the gold medal. To go out now is really hard for me.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t get the job done. Everyone’s support has been unbelievable. I’ll be back bigger, better and stronger.”

The loss for Nicolson leaves Victorian Harry Garside as the only Australian boxer left in contention at Tokyo 2020.

Nicolson was following in the footsteps of her late brother Jamie, who boxed for Australia at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Jamie and another sibling, Gavin, were killed tragically in a car accident on their way to a training session in 1994, a year before Nicolson was born.

Jon Harker