Tallaght’s Jack Woolley selected for second Olympic Games in taekwondo – ‘It will be an amazing atmosphere’
Lucas Lautaro Guzman (L) of Team Argentina competes against Jack Woolley of Team Ireland during the Men's -58kg Taekwondo round-of-16 contest on day one of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Makuhari Messe Hall on July 24, 2021 in Chiba, Japan. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Jack Woolley has been officially selected to compete for Ireland at next month’s Paris Olympics in taekwondo.
Three years ago, the Tallaght native became the first Irish athlete to compete in the sport at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
He will compete in the men’s 58kg class, with the competition taking place in the spectacular Grand Palais Paris Bercy Arena on August 7.
The journey to Olympic qualification for Woolley was not straightforward, with his Olympic berth finally being secured at the European Taekwondo Qualification tournament, thanks to a win in the semi-finals.
“In my sport, the main way to qualify for the Games is by being in the top five Olympic-ranked athletes by the December before the Olympics. Last year, I finished the year as athlete six, so my final opportunity was at the European Taekwondo Qualification Tournament in March, “ explained Woolley.
“Thankfully, I made the top two at that event and have now qualified for my second Olympics. The feeling of relief and stress leaving my body when I got the spot was immense.
“I am looking forward to enjoying Paris now. When I go out and am happy and I’m excited, I tend to perform much better. I have a lot of support going to watch me, it will be an amazing atmosphere,” he said.
The then 22-year-old was heartbroken in Tokyo when he lost his opening fight in the 58kg category in the dying seconds to Argentina’s Lucan Guzman. The loss effectively put him out of contention for a medal.
Taekwondo Performance Director Robert Taaffe pointed out that an estimated 80 million people practice taekwondo worldwide, but only 16 make it to the Olympics in each weight division.
“Jack has now made it twice. One in 80 million, a boy from Tallaght shining and inspiring others.
“This feat takes so much focus, dedication and commitment and we are incredibly proud of everything Jack has achieved in his glittering career so far.
“The support from family, friends, coaches & teammates, Taekwondo Ireland, Irish Sporting Bodies and the Olympic Scholarship have all played a part in developing one of the world’s most renowned and loved taekwondo fighters,” said Taaffe.
Taekwondo first became an Olympic medal sport at the 2000 Games in Sydney.
