Australian Olympic Games boxer Harry Garside says being thrust into the limelight by a domestic violence charge, which was dropped months later, made for a difficult time.
But the Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist admits the saga turned him into “a man” and made him realise the people in his life who actually count.
Garside spoke to SEN radio from his Pacific Games camp in the Solomon Islands, where he’s vying for a quota place in his bid for Paris 2024 selection.
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The 26-year-old was asked about his ex-girlfriend, Ashley Ruscoe, pressing a common assault charge against him in March, which was withdrawn in June after a review of recordings and communications.
“It’s something that’s never easy, right? Being in the public domain all the time and in the public spotlight and going through something like that, it was super challenging,” Garside said.
“But I think all that I’ve learned in my sporting career, and I feel like this year, as well, although it was very challenging I feel like this year I turned into a man.
“I’m very grateful that all I went through this year, I’m very grateful that I got through it very quickly and I’m very grateful that I’ve realised who’s in my team, who’s stood by me. My circle got smaller but I’m very grateful for that, too.”
The saga took a twist in July when Ruscoe, now 35, was arrested and charged with common assault and stalking or intimidating.
In August, she was charged with illegally sharing an intimate image of Garside.
She’s pleaded not guilty to all charges.
“It’s never easy, but … there’s so many other people in the world that are going through much harder things,” Garside said.
“I’m grateful to be through it and just focusing on Paris 2024.”
Garside won his first Pacific Games bout by unanimous decision, defeating Papua New Guinea’s John Ume on Tuesday.
The lightweight boxer will snag a Paris 2024 quota place if he wins the Pacific Games tournament, which he will do if he triumphs in his next two fights.
He ventured into professional boxing after winning bronze at Tokyo 2020, carving out a 3-0 record, but decided to pursue another Olympic Games to chase an elusive gold medal.
“I definitely feel like I’m on the way there [to being better than I was in Tokyo], which is great,” Garside said.
“I think as athletes, going into the age of 26, 27, that’s probably the peak time for boxers, which is great.
“I think leading into Paris you’ll see the best version of Harry Garside, which is nice.”