Olympic Boxer Harry Garside’s key to preparing for return to ring next month

Former Olympic bronze medallist Harry Garside has unveiled a key training strategy in the lead up to his return to the boxing ring after a long hiatus.

Olympic bronze medallist Harry Garside is ready to be the “man in the arena” yet again when he returns to the professional boxing ring after a long hiatus next month.

The 27-year-old won Bronze at the Tokyo Olympics before turning professional and winning the Australian title in only his second bout.

But, it was a disappointing Round of 16 defeat to Hungarian Richard Kovacs at the Paris Olympics which saw Garside step away from the ring, telling The Daily Telegraph “I wasn’t sure at the back end of last year if I was even going to fight again”.

“I feel like the man in the arena again,” he added.

And, what’s behind Garside’s new-found love for the sport is his connection and friendship with breathwork coach, Johannes Egberts.

Harry Garside is preparing to face Queensland’s Charlie Bell at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion next month. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Garside was first introduced to Holotropic breathwork in 2020 and recently completed his masters course with Egberts.

“The breathe is the thing that never leaves you,” Garside said.

Garside after stepping out of the ice bath. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

“I think if you want to know how you’re feeling, want to know what’s going on inside your body, then pay attention to your breath.”

Garside spoke on “how powerful the breath is”, saying it’s “something I can always hold on to” and “take control of my life when things are getting a little bit too much, especially in the boxing ring”.

Egberts, 30, is the founder of Breathless Expeditions, and has conducted studies at universities which confirmed breathwork significantly improved mental illnesses, burnout, chronic pain and fatigue, among others.

He said it has helped Garside sharpen his boxing skills while also focusing on recovery and dealing with mental pressures.

Relief after spending two minutes in the ice bath. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

It’s something Garside is looking to use in the ring “if I’m in this stage of panic or being hurt”.

“I have the capacity to calm myself down right then and there, even in just two or three seconds,” he said.

Garside was put through his paces on Tuesday morning on Bondi Beach, tasked with controlling his breathing during a two minute ice bath.

“It’s an opportunity to consciously take your breath away and then catch it, control it and see what’s on the other side,” Egberts said.

It has seen him launch a world-first, internationally accredited online 10-week program which combines major breathing methods, modalities, techniques, and philosophies – which is available to anyone, anywhere.
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