Jack Woolley: The Echo February Sports Star of the Month
By Stephen Leonard
AN AMAZING run in February in which he medalled at four major international events has seen South Dublin Taekwondo star Jack Woolley rocket to third place in the World -54kg rankings.
The most prolific athlete in all weight classes, both male and female, in his sport so far this year, the 17-year-old has proven he is deadly serious in his drive to reach the 2020 Olympic stage in Tokyo.
His whirlwind tour kicked off in Reno, Nevada where he contested the US Open and won silver after reaching the final where he was pipped by then World Number seven Mourad Laachouiri from Belgium.
A week later he was top of the podium at the Canada Open in Montreal, completing his stunning march to a coveted gold medal by way of thrilling 10-8 victory over the USA’s David Kim who had beaten Laachouiri in his respective semi final.
Returning home to Ireland for only a few hours, Woolley flew out to Turkey where he won silver in the European Club Taekwondo Championships.
It was then on to the United Arab Emirates for another world ranking contest and Woolley emerged with his third silver of the month.
