Australian boxer and reality TV star Harry Garside may not join the Australian team for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics as he allegedly assaulted his ex-girlfriend.
The Olympic bronze medalist was arrested at Sydney International Airport on Tuesday upon returning to Australia from filming the reality TV series ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here’. Garside has been accused of domestic assault against his ex-girlfriend Ash Ruscoe on March 1, 2023, at a property in Bondi.
Garside represented Australia and won the bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He also plans to participate in the Paris 2024 Olympics, which can leave the AOC with a very tough choice.
Garside was the first Australian to win an Olympic boxing medal in 33 years. While the squad for the 2024 Games has not yet been named, it seems like he would be a shoo-in for selection. If charges against the boxer are upheld, he would breach the Australian Olympic Committee’s Team Membership Agreement.
An AOC spokesman told News Corp, “Given the matter is before the courts, it’s not appropriate for the AOC to comment beyond observing that Harry Garside has not yet qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games – nor is he yet nominated or selected.”
Garside posted a statement to his Instagram page on Wednesday, saying he intended to challenge the charge. He denied the allegations of violence and disputed the account given to the police. He also said that he has nothing to hide and will defend himself against the charge.
Garside told AAP in a statement: “The conduct of police in the presence of the media at Sydney International Airport yesterday took me completely by surprise. I categorically deny the allegations of violence and dispute the account given to police. I have nothing to hide and will defend myself against this charge.”
“The police have not been provided with all of the facts and I am confident that my reputation will be vindicated through the legal process. Because the matter is before the courts, I won’t be saying anything further.”
Garside’s Olympic dreams may be shattered if he is found guilty of domestic assault charges. While he is still under investigation, the AOC will wait for the courts’ decision to determine his eligibility for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
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