Jack Woolley is an inspiration.
The teenager had an Olympic dream and he wasn’t going to let anything get in his way.
It’s just over 80 days until the Games in Rio begin, and the teenager, from south Dublin was hoping to make history by becoming the first ever Irish Tae Kwon Do competitor to bring home a medal this summer.
However, his dreams of qualification were shattered at a European Continental Qualification tournament in Istanbul, Turkey in January.
The 17-year-old lost out in heartbreaking fashion in latter stages of the event, when judges ruled against him in his semi-final, as he was just seconds away from sealing his place in Brazil.
A second place finish would have seen him book his place, but instead, a loss to his Israeli opponent meant he could only return home with a bronze medal.
3rd place today for @jackwoolley_tkd . We needed 2nd for Rio. Just Short. Very proud. #autoqualify2020 pic.twitter.com/JdCYtngBaI
— South Dublin TKD (@southdubtkd) January 16, 2016
However, Woolley has used his heartbreak and his personal life, to try and inspire other young Irish people to be the best they can.
On RTE’s Road to Rio documentary, the South Dublin Taekwondo Club member revealed he was bisexual, and hoped that his decision to would not upset anyone who might follow him in his sporting endeavours.
He explained he spoke to his best friend Aoife first of all.
“I don’t want to stereotype me, or I dont want to say that oh well I like who I like. I’d feel that I would be a lot more cagey if I didn’t win all those medals when I was younger and I don’t think I’d have the confidence because more people are going to know me and more people are going to judge me.
“I’m happy I didn’t say it before that happened, because if you’re going to follow me, you know that already, you’re not going to be put off by it, and to be honest in this day and age, if you’re going to be put off by it, then you’re a bit slow, or something.
His decision to revealed such an intimate part of his personality
I'm nearly crying over @jackwoolley_tkd on @RTERoadToRio . Never fear you'll be back. Bigger & better than before #Tokyo2020
— Natalya Coyle (@Natalyacoyle) May 11, 2016
https://twitter.com/DervalORourke/status/730487034381504513
@jackwoolley_tkd is an inspiration to his generation & to all! #LikeWhoILike #RoadToRio
— Paul H (@Hylus83) May 11, 2016
What a story in that kid @jackwoolley_tkd – a real inspiration! #RoadToRio #NeverGiveUpOnYourDreams
— Trevor Spillane (@TrevorSpillane) May 11, 2016
@jackwoolley_tkd wow inspiration Jack on @rte #roadtirio
— Donal Walsh LiveLife (@DonalLiveLife) May 11, 2016
@RTERoadToRio am already in love with @jackwoolley_tkd Jack Woolley, his mam, the family goose @ @mickconlan11 baby girl! #roadtorio
— clíona foley (@ponyyelof) May 11, 2016
Jack is still only 17, so we hope that he can be one of our key medal hopes when the next games come around in 2020 in Tokyo.
