Australian boxing star Harry Garside will step into a very different kind of arena today as he takes part in the Gold Coast T100 Triathlon as part of a new chapter in his glorious career.

Best known for his achievements in the ring, Garside is now keen to test himself in very different sporting arenas, starting with the opening T100 swim, bike, run race of the new triathlon season.

In a break with previous years, only one pro race will now be hosted at each venue, with the women kicking things off in Queensland and the men starting their 2026 season in Singapore on April 25.

‘See what I’m capable of’

However, in addition to the elite competition, the event also features a mass participation 100km (2km swim, 80km bike, 18km run) and Olympic-distance triathlon for amateur athletes, along with a 10km fun run.

“I can’t wait for this event. I’m really excited to push myself in a completely different environment and see what I’m capable of,” said Garside. “Boxing will always be a huge part of who I am, but right now I’m enjoying learning, being uncomfortable again and saying yes to new challenges.”

Adding an extra dimension to his decision to take part in the event, Garside will line up alongside a group of old school friends, sharing the experience on one of the world’s premier triathlon stages.

“To be able to do this on the Gold Coast, at a global event, and share it with mates I grew up with makes it really special,” he said. “We’re not chasing podiums – it’s about the journey, the connection and taking part in something bigger.”

Sporting stars taking part

Garside joins other sporting stars participating in events across the triathlon weekend, including Supercar driver Will Davison, who will take part with his partner and pit-lane reporter Riana Crehan.

The opening race of the T100 season has seen several big names drop out over recent weeks. Lucy Charles-Barclay was never going to start, given that she has recently had surgery on a tendon issue, but it will undoubtedly have been a blow for race organisers to have lost the likes of Kate Waugh, Ashleigh Gentle, Julie Derron and Lucy Byram from their start list.

Waugh and Derron have said they hope to be back for the second race in the schedule when the T100 bandwagon rolls on to Spain on May 23.

American Taylor Knibb, home-favourite Ellie Salthouse, Spaniard Sara Perez Sala and Belgian Hanne De Vet will all be looking to make the most of a weakened field as they go in search of early points in the Road to Qatar series.

Hauser aims for 10k PB

While no men are competing in the pro T100 event this weekend, one of the world’s leading triathletes has confirmed that he will be taking part in the associated 10k event, which is being held on Sunday at 06:00 local time.

Short-course star and WTCS world champion Matt Hauser will line up for the race as he bids for a new PB at the distance. And as if that wasn’t enough, there are rumours that he has managed to entice British Olympic gold medallist Alex Yee along to be his pacer.

Places are still available for runners to join the 10k, which starts at Broadwater Parklands and finishes along the esplanade to Surfers Paradise. Those interested in signing up for Sunday’s race can do so HERE.