Jack flying the flag at Paris Olympics

Jack Woolley was flying the flag for Tallaght during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics last Friday.

The Tallaght, lad, who is a member of South Dublin Taekwondo, will start his competition in the Grand Palais Paris  Bercy Arena, next Wednesday,  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, with a win in the semi-finals.

Speaking on his selection, Woolley said: “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 in 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. 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.”

Robert Taaffe, Taekwondo Performance Director who is also a member of South Dublin Taekwondo said,

“Our wonderful sport taekwondo is practiced by an estimated eighty million people in 210 countries worldwide. Sixteen people make it to the Olympics in each 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 and team mates, 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.

In a year of major milestones, including when thirty years ago in 1994 the International Olympic Committee added Taekwondo to the Olympic Programme, one hundred years ago the Olympics were in Paris.

“We now get to share in this experience and look forward to support Jack in the iconic Grand Palais venue in Paris on August 7 and watch him assist pave the way for future taekwondo stars in Ireland.’!”