Bisexual Olympian Jack Woolley shares body image struggles
Jack Woolley of Team Ireland. (Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Jack Woolley of Team Ireland. (Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Bisexual taekwondo Olympian Jack Woolley has opened up about how he has struggled with his body image.
Woolley, who was the first taekwondo athlete to represent Ireland in the Olympics when he fought at the Tokyo Games in 2020, took to Instagram to reveal his battle with how he looks and shared a series of images and videos showing off his physique.
“Dear Jack, It’s been 12 months since your last drastic weight cut, a whole year since you decided to put yourself and your health first,” he wrote. “Look how far you have come… although some days might be harder than others, always remember that you continue to make yourself and others around you proud.
“Yes, you might still struggle and hate how you look some days, and others you might be full of confidence, but that’s normal for someone who has been through the extremes that you have. Remember to be kind to yourself and continue to work hard to achieve your goals.
“These photos are not ones of shame but ones to look at with admiration.”
The post has attracted thousands of likes and comments, with many people agreeing that he should be proud of himself.
Woolley got engaged to garda (police) officer Dave Stig in March, and celebrated by posting an image of them kissing, holding up a finger to display his ring.
He has also been open about the homophobia he has faced, including a brutal attack that left him requiring reconstructive surgery. No one has ever been charged in connection with the incident.
In May, retired Olympic diving champion Tom Daley opened up about his struggle with an eating disorder and the “shame” he felt after being told to hide being gay.
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