Overview
- Walsh, 28, confirmed his retirement after a 17-year career that included two Olympic appearances and multiple Commonwealth medals.
- He said prolonged pressure, anxiety and emotional distress made the sport feel like a conveyor belt he could not leave.
- The Belfast boxer is studying for a master's in sports psychology at Ulster University and is researching coach–athlete relationships in Irish amateur boxing.
- He is collaborating with Sport Ireland clinical psychologist Dr Paul Gaffney on a book and hopes to progress to further academic work focused on athlete well-being.
- A Tokyo 2021 bronze medallist and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth champion, he missed his Olympic semi-final after injuring his ankle celebrating a quarter-final win, and he credits his sister Michaela for crucial support throughout his career.