Walsh expressed his gratitude to those who helped him over the years including Sport NI’s Gary Longwell, while crediting clinical psychologist Dr Paul Gaffney as the man who “changed my life”, saying the relationships, rather than medals, “mean the most to me”.
When he and older sister Michaela first stepped through the doors of St Agnes’ Boxing Club in Andersonstown with father and coach Damien, little did the siblings know they were embarking on a magical journey that would see them reach two Commonwealth and two Olympic Games together as team-mates.
That bond was not just limited to the ring, but Aidan credits his sister for being instrumental in helping him get through some of his darker days.
“In sport, you’re in an environment where you are always chasing success, based on performance, expectations and funding criteria. It’s part of high performance sport and athletes know what they are signing up for, so it’s hard to appreciate those moments.
“I couldn’t have done all of that without Michaela being there, without my family, without Paul Gaffney and the people closest to me.
“The Olympics, really struggling going there; Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, didn’t want to go and retired a week before but Michaela lifted me off the floor at Ulster University in the training camp.
“I’ll be honest and say I didn’t enjoy my career. I wish I could give my Olympic medal to Michaela because she deserves it far more.”