Walsh takes on welfare role at Boxing Ireland

Aidan Walsh, who is an Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallist, retired from boxing last year [Getty Images]

Olympic medallist Aidan Walsh has been appointed Boxing Ireland's high performance support lead.

The 29-year-old, who retired from boxing last year, will take on the role with the aim of assisting with athlete welfare, development and performance.

As well as his own experiences as an athlete in his career, which yielded bronze at the Tokyo Olympic and multiple Commonwealth medals, Walsh also holds a degree in athlete wellbeing and performances sport psychology, and is pursuing a PhD on emotion in elite boxing.

Boxing Ireland said this combination was "unique" and "positions him to make a meaningful impact within the high performance system".

Walsh said he was "incredibly proud" to take on the role after hanging up his gloves.

"Having come through the system myself, I have an acute understanding of the pressures athletes face.," he said.

"Through my academic studies I've developed a real passion for supporting athlete wellbeing and performance.

"I'm looking forward to contributing to an environment where boxers feel supported, valued, and empowered to perform at their best."

John Mackey, Boxing Ireland's performance director, said Walsh brings a "rare blend of Olympic-level experience and academic insight."

"His understanding of the athlete journey, combined with his ongoing research into the athlete-coach relationship, will be invaluable in strengthening our High Performance programme and enhancing our existing athlete support provision," he said.

In his new role, Aidan will support Ireland's high performance boxers across all stages of their journey, with a particular focus on athlete wellbeing, mentoring, and enhancing the overall performance environment. His work will help ensure that athletes are supported holistically in pursuit of podium success and in their personal development.

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