The gloves are off: Former Olympic boxer Michael Carruth takes up cycling
HE’S a former Olympic boxing gold medal winner, but when it comes to his latest sporting challenge, 51-year-old Michael Carruth says he’s a “raw beginner”.
He’s signed up for the Malin 2 Mizen cycling challenge, in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, a four-day event starting on May 9, covering a muscle-aching 626kms.
He hasn’t been on a bike in 30 years — it was frowned upon by his trainers. “I was never allowed to cycle as a boxer. There was a stigma involved that your legs became very stiff and muscle-bound; it was just crap, basically. I only know that now, because I’ve taken up cycling. I always wanted to go cycling.”
Married to Paula, they live in Naas with their children, Leah, 22, an actress, and Carl, 18, who is doing his Leaving Cert in June. “Keeping the family happy keeps me happy,” he says. “And remember, a happy wife is a happy life.”
I’m in average condition. Cycling has helped me out greatly over the last couple of months.
“I’ve been training for the Malin 2 Mizen since October. I did two-and-a-half hours this morning, about 55k. It was hard on the way out: the breeze was in my face, but, typical of Ireland, when you turned around back home, it’s in your face again.
I eat a lot of pasta and carbohydrates — they are my fuel foods. I like salads and anything fishy. I’m not really a huge meat-eater, I eat more white meat. Paula is the cook. I’m not bad myself, but she’s the boss.
A glass of red wine and a packet of peanuts.
If I train too late. That used to be a huge thing as a boxer, we used to train until 9 or 9.30 at night. I’m a good sleeper — my wife would testify to that. I snore — she would testify to that again.
I play golf. I play off 12. I’d, hopefully, get two games in a week. Now, the good weather is coming in and the evenings are getting longer, I can do a mixture of the cycling and the golfing.
I’ve been surrounded by great people in boxing all my life. Anybody who gives up their time freely in this country, I admire more than anybody else. You look at the GAA, the FAI, any sport in this country, 90% is based on voluntary help.
My wife’s favourite perfume: Clinique Aromatics.
If I could grow my hair back. But my weight would probably be the one big thing — I go up and down. If I could get my weight to a good level and stay at that for the rest of my living days, that would be good, but I need to keep exercising. I’ve got one of those bodies, it retains fluid: I look at biscuits and I put on weight. Another one of the reasons for doing the cycle is obviously to get me into a fitter state of mind.
Last month. My mam and dad’s anniversary always gets me. Ma died on the 16th of February, 2013, and dad on the 26th of February, 2011.
I hate jealousy. It’s probably an Irish thing.
I expect people to be able to do what I can do, particularly in boxing. I’ve come around that in my own methods in training. I have a high expectation of my boxers.
I’m not over-religious, but [when I was in the ring] I’d get down and bless myself. My dad always felt you’re showing a sign of weakness if you’re looking for help from someone else.
I do the usual thing in Ireland: when we see a coffin passing we bless ourselves. And I always bless myself after our national anthem.
My boxers in the club that would be a huge part of my life, that they are competing well and enjoying themselves in the boxing club. Music is also a huge thing. I could go from Nathan Carter to Guns N’ Roses.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
