'We all feel that pain': Australian greats rally around Harry Garside after emotional Paris exit
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Sporting icon Dylan Alcott has shared his thoughts on Harry Garside's Olympic boxing loss, offering his support by saying he'll be there to hang out, have a beer and give him a hug when he needs.
The message of support came after the 27-year-old gave a raw interview after losing on Monday, ending his hopes of claiming a gold medal after capturing bronze three years ago in Tokyo.
"It's pretty heartbreaking to hear him talk afterward because he is a good guy and I hope he is doing alright," Alcott said on Nine's Olympic coverage.
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"It wasn't his day… and that happens.
A devastated Harry Garside reflects on his first round loss at Paris 2024. Nine
"And that happens and you, you try not to do that at events that only come out every four years and they kind of hit a bit harder when it happens like that and I've experienced it.
"Harry don't apologise to anybody watching right now, mate. You think you are defined by winning gold medals, but we aren't.
"You are defined by what people think of you as a person."
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Alcott said it was refreshing to see athletes openly acknowledge the struggles that come with defeat.
"When you lost, you had to be the stoic legend and act like everything's OK," he said.
"I used to do that but I loved hearing Harry say I'm gonna struggle for the next couple of months and chuck your arms around me. (There) is a new breed of athlete."
Leila McKinnon together with sporting icon Dylan Alcott. Nine
An emotional Garside earlier paid tribute to one of his inspirations, Grant Hackett, after crashing out of the boxing tournament in Paris.
Garside thanked the past Aussie Olympians for influencing him to pursue the sport.
"I was seven years old two decades ago when this dream started," he said.
"The man that I've become over that 20-year journey is unbelievable. It's just because I was inspired by that one moment, Grant Hackett - so thank you Grant Hackett and thank you to all the Olympians in the past.
"You've inspired me to go on a two-decade journey to be where I am now."
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In a classy moment posted on Stan Sport's social media accounts, Hackett responded to Garside's tribute and believes the boxer is leading the way for the next generation.
"To see Harry there and the disappointment that he obviously felt and not getting the result that he's worked so hard for, and then to see the way he articulates it, that I was a point of inspiration for him, it really is humbling," the swimming legend said.
"Little does he know that he's inspiring so many young kids right now who are going to focus on being great at something and giving their all.
"Congratulations to Harry for what has been a phenomenal career so far.
"We all feel that pain when we see it means so much and you know how much effort, time and preparation has been put into it.
"Harry, regardless of your result, you're a bloody great Australian and you're an even better bloke … thank you for everything that you're doing."
Hackett won three gold medals during his own Olympic career but also suffered plenty of setbacks inside and outside of the pool.
Garside will now contemplate whether he will return to the professional circuit where he holds an undefeated 3-0 record, or move on from the sport altogether.
