Harry Garside is inconsolable after his shock defeat at his first attempt at the Paris Olympics, which shattered his dream in nine minutes.
There were heartbreaking scenes as Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Garside broke down in tears backstage after his first-round elimination in the men's 63.5kg division.
The 27-year-old had sacrificed everything, giving up his professional career to return to amateur Olympic competition, but after nine minutes in Paris it was all over.
Garside failed to win a round against his opponent, Hungarian Richard Kovacs.
To make matters worse, Kovacs threw himself in Garside's face in the final round, even though he knew he had the win in his pocket.
The pair embraced in the ring as the score was announced: Kovacs had won 30-27 according to the judges' scorecards.
Australian boxing fans were left deeply upset by Kovac's disrespectful actions.
The other emotions felt were sympathy and sadness for the defeated Australian.
Main Event boxing commentator Ben Damon wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Real heartbreak for Harry Garside who surrenders to Hungary's Richard Kovacs by unanimous decision in a huge upset.”
Sports fan Mick O'Brien wrote: “I hope the p***h who just beat Harry Garside gets pounded in the quarter-finals… Disgusting.”
It will be a real heartbreak for Garside, who has previously spoken openly about his mental health issues following his breakthrough campaign in Tokyo, where he won Australia's first boxing medal since 1988.
The Australian boxer announced to fans in May that he would abstain from sexual relations until the conclusion of his competition in Paris.
“Tomorrow is the day I stop shooting, if you know what I mean until after the Olympics,” Garside wrote on Instagram with a post that included a water drop emoji.
Garside said he used the same tactic before making history at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, winning the bronze medal.
