By David Field, PA Sport Boxing Correspondent, Sydney

It was British coach Ian Irwin's proudest moment when Audley Harrison had the Olympic gold medal hung round his neck in Sydney.

Harrison's Sunday punches had defeated Mukhtarkhan Dildebekov in the super-heavyweight final, and for Irwin it was the realisation of an eight-year dream which began in Barcelona.

England's sole return in 1992 was Robin Reid's bronze - there was no reward in Atlanta four years later - but Harrison claimed the ultimate prize in eight magical days.

"For me it's third time lucky, and to some degree the heartache's over, Great Britain has finally come through," said Irwin, 57, from Windermere.

"I felt tremendous pride when he stood on the podium, something a national coach always dreams of. It's a bit like soccer management, you've got to produce the goods.

"The programme's being funded so there's got to be some return for that. It's bit of pressure, but nonetheless if you can't go with that you've got to get out.

"I feel a tremendous sense of pride for Great Britain, for British boxing and, of course, the young man himself.

"I've never seen a man so big who could box as well. He thinks quickly, has very fast reflexes and has the ability to change styles. He gets a bit lazy every now and again, but he knows what he's doing.

"The gap between amateurs and professionals is not so big for him because of his ability, but at 29 later this month the years are not on his side.

"My advice to him would be to rest to the end of the year, then think about it (professional boxing).

"I doubt if he will try to go too quickly. He's an intelligent man and knows exactly where he's going. You might pull the wool over a lot of young people's eyes but certainly not him.

"I've always had faith in him when others have had a go. But he and I have had our differences and rightly so. He doesn't pay lip service to anybody and that includes me.

"We sat down and discussed the Olympic situation, so it's been a tremendous learning curve for me, besides him, obviously.

"Because of his boxing ability I thought if we can get the engine to support those skills, not just for four rounds but for four contests, then we are in with a shout."

There has been speculation that boxing could be dropped from the Olympic programme because of past scoring controversies, but Sydney 2000 has probably removed that threat, hopes Irwin.

He said: "I think it's been a wonderful tournament, some good boxing and officiating, and I think boxing has proved to the world and the IOC that it deserves a place in the Olympics. Fingers crossed it will take place in Athens."