'Truly humbling': Harry Garside hits back at critics after half time sprint at AFL grand final
Australian Olympic boxer Harry Garside "couldn't care less" that he was "smoked" by his opponents in the AFL grand final sprint race.
Garside was invited to take part in the new-look 100m sprint race at half time on Saturday, where he lined up alongside seven active AFL players.
Collingwood's Beau McCreery looked hungry to defend his title as the heat moved to the starting line, where sprint sensation Gout Gout waited to fire the starters' gun.
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But a slow start off the mark for Garside saw him stuck in last place.
Harry Garside warms up for the half time sprint. via Getty Images
All eyes were on Gold Coast forward Jed Walter and McCreery in the race as the pair burst well ahead of the field by the 50m mark.
In the final 20m, McCreery began to slow as Walter fired over to win comfortably.
The rest of the field closely followed the duo before the camera panned back to capture Garside coming across the line last.
It was a result that Garside admits he did expect, but also one that has been criticised on social media by fans.
Harry Garside (L) is seen at the back of the heat in the grand final half time sprint. Seven
In the build up to the race, the 28-year-old had cheekily commented on a post that confirmed the race's participants that he "can beat them all".
He has since revealed that he did not "feel deserving" to receive the invitation to race, but was "deeply grateful [for the opportunity]".
Garside also thanked the AFL in a post on Instagram on Sunday.
"Just wanted to say I honestly couldn't care less about how I went in the sprint yesterday," Garside wrote.
"I knew I'd get smoked, truly humbling stuff. I've got nothing but respect for the AFL players - geez, they are incredible athletes.
"For everyone who checked in, thank you. I'm all good, more than good actually.
"To have the chance to run on the MCG on grand final day is something I never imagined for myself. That's the dream every AFL kid grows up with, and somehow I got to live a piece of it.
"I grew up idolising guys like Shane Crawford, Luke Hodge and Jonathan Brown. To be on the same stage, even for a moment, was something I'll never forget.
"And a reminder to myself: always say yes to moments that scare you, and never forget to stay grounded in your own lane."
