Jack Woolley has been officially selected for this summers Olympic Games in Paris.
The Tallaght athlete made his Olympic debut in Tokyo; becoming the first Irish athlete to ever compete in Taekwondo at the Olympic Games.
Indeed, his competition takes place in Paris in the spectacular Grand Palais Paris Bercy Arena, on Wednesday, the 7 August.
The journey to Olympic qualification for Woolley was not straightforward. His Olympic berth finally being secured at the European Taekwondo Qualification tournament, with 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“ explained Woolley.
“Last year I finished the year as athlete six. So my final opportunity was at the European Taekwondo Qualification Tournament in March”.
“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”.
Looking forward to enjoy Paris 2024
“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.”
“We are delighted to officially confirm Jack’s place on the Irish Olympic team for Paris 2024” said Chef de Mission for Paris 2024, Gavin Noble.
“Jack is also one of the Paris Scholars, and since a young age has been paving the way for Irish taekwondo athletes”.
“The road to the Olympics is never easy, and Jack’s resilience and focus have shone throughout the qualification process. We are looking forward to supporting him in Paris.”
“Our wonderful sport taekwondo is practiced by an estimated 80 million people in 210 countries worldwide” said taekwondo performance director, Robert Taaffe.
“16 people make it to the Olympics in each division. Jack has now made it twice. One in 80 million, a boy from Tallaght shining & 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 & team mates, Taekwondo Ireland, Irish Sporting Bodies and the Olympic Scholarship have all played a part in developing one of the worlds most renowned and loved taekwondo fighters”.
Team Ireland Paris taekwondo announcement: Men’s -58: Jack Woolley (Jobstown, Tallaght)
