Married At First Sight star vows to never return to ‘toxic’ reality show after blowing out his knee at Commonwealth Games
Married At First Sight’s Ridge Barredo has declared he would rather endure the pain of weightlifting than return to the ‘toxic’ world of reality television.
The 30-year-old suffered a frightening knee injury while competing in the men’s 110kg weightlifting event at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Barredo’s right leg gave way during his third and final clean-and-jerk attempt at 190kg, sending him crashing onto his back in agony.
Officials quickly placed a screen around the Australian as he received medical treatment before leaving the arena on crutches.
‘I heard a pop on the third attempt. I tried to give it my all,’ Barredo said.
‘The initial pain was an eight or nine out of 10. I’ll get some scans but, hopefully, it’s not too serious.
Ridge Barredo rose to fame on Married At First Sight before returning to elite weightlifting competition for Australia
Barredo crashed to the platform after his knee buckled beneath a 190kg lift at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games
The 30-year-old met partner Jade Pywell during MAFS season 11, with the couple remaining together ever since
‘It’s a first for me, which was a bit scary.’
Barredo had lifted 155kg in the snatch and would have finished fourth if his final clean and jerk had been successful.
However, the failed attempt meant he did not record an overall finish.
His partner Jade Pywell and her 10-year-old daughter Victoria had travelled from the Gold Coast to watch him compete at his third Commonwealth Games.
Despite suffering an injury that could require extensive rehabilitation, Barredo remained adamant he had no intention of ending his weightlifting career.
‘The future is [to] rehab the injury, see how it goes, get the body back ready, and then just listen to the coach and then keep going,’ he said.
‘Because I’m not done yet. No way. Not a chance.’
He also set his sights on returning for a fourth Commonwealth Games in Amdavad in 2030.
Before his injury, Barredo celebrated a successful lift with a tribute to former NRL star Jai Arrow who is battling MND
The weightlifter ruled out returning to reality television after describing the Married At First Sight environment as toxic
The family planned a four-week European holiday after Glasgow, although Barredo must first undergo scans on his knee
‘It’s not the end. I’m still relatively young, still hungry for it, still want to be the best in Australia,’ he said.
‘I’m not done yet, no way. Not a chance. I’ll be back for sure. Four times, watch, mark my words.’
While Barredo plans to return to weightlifting, he firmly ruled out another appearance on reality television.
He met Jade while filming the 2024 season of MAFS, with the pair becoming the only couple from season 11 to remain together.
‘My TV career is definitely done, I’ve found my partner. I’m off reality TV. Wouldn’t recommend it,’ Barredo said.
‘If you want to have some fun in a toxic environment, go for it, but personally I wouldn’t be going back.’
Barredo packed up his life in Sydney after the show and moved to the Gold Coast to be with Jade and Victoria.
He credited Jade’s support with helping him return to the Commonwealth Games despite the demanding training schedule placing pressure on their relationship.
‘Jade and I are still together after meeting on the show. Probably one of, like, eight couples all time to be still together,’ he said.
‘So very grateful, very lucky. Jade’s a big part of the reason why I’m here, and I’m very grateful that she’s been so supportive for me.’
Jade shared a photo after the event showing Barredo smiling alongside her and Victoria despite wearing a heavily bandaged knee and using crutches.
‘So proud. Three Commonwealth Games is an achievement on its own,’ she wrote.
The family had planned to spend four weeks travelling through Europe after the Games, although Barredo must first undergo scans to determine the extent of the injury.