‘I feel like a failure’: Australian boxer breaks down in confronting interview

Australian boxer Harry Garside says he wants his emotional response to an unexpected loss at the Paris Olympics to serve as a reminder to young Australians that “failure is a part of life”.

Garside, who broke Australia’s 33-year boxing medal drought in Tokyo three years ago, had his heart set on gold in Paris but broke down in tears on television following defeat to Hungarian Richard Kovacs in the men’s lightweight bout at Arena Paris Nord on Monday.

Harry Garside during the emotional interview with Nine.Credit: Nine

Garside later gave a ringside interview so raw as to make viewers feel they’d been on the end of one of Kovacs’ punches. It gave a stinging insight into the reality that for all the success stories we will celebrate in Paris, there will be athletes who will carry their failures around with them for the next four years.

“Honestly, I feel like a failure right now,” Garside told Nine, covering his face with hands still strapped up.

“I know sportsmen are supposed to say the right thing right now, and thank you so much, but deep down inside, I know there will be some dark times and I have to prepare for that now.”

The interview triggered an outpouring of support - and concern - for the 27-year-old, who has been an outspoken advocate on mental health issues.

In a fresh interview on Nine broadcast on Tuesday morning Australian-time, Garside said he had been contemplating how his experience in Paris could serve as a lesson for others.

“This is what sport’s about, right? Life knocks you down. We care so much but sometimes the stars aren’t written for you in the way you want it,” he said.

“I’ve been thinking over the last couple of hours what sort of message I want to give right now, and I think it’s really important for young people to see [his defeat and response], because life will knock you down.

“There are so many times we get knocked down as humans, especially as adults. A lot of it is out of our control at times, too. And I think it’s important for young people to see that failure is just part of life.

“We have visions, we have dreams, we have ambitions and we get knocked down, and it’s our choice what we do next.”

Garside’s broadcast interview in the minutes after his defeat went around the world but away from the cameras, in the mixed zone, he elaborated on his own mental health struggles.

“Before the last Olympics, I hated myself, and it got results... But over the last four years I’ve become my own friend, which sounds so good, but I’ve started being too nice to myself... I’ve got to reflect on that and see what’s next,” he said.

“The next few months for myself will be a pretty hard time. I will have some dark moments and I’m f---king terrified to be honest.”

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