Jack Woolley on Paris Olympics: 'It was what I expected and more'

Jack Woolley says the Paris Olympics were what he "expected and more", as he looked back on his experience this summer.

For the second time in the Olympics, Woolley represented Ireland in taekwondo. Despite positive performances, Woolley was not able to return home with a medal, as he was defeated in the last 16.

Despite this, the Dublin fighter is proud to call himself a two-time Olympian, as he finally got to have the proper Olympics experience, following the restrictions that were in place for Tokyo.

"It was everything I dreamed of and more", said Woolley.

"To have family support there, and the big crowds, we never really get that in our sport. My family have seen me fight two or three times since I was about 12, so this was just insane.

"I always compare Tokyo to a scene in the hunger games, where it is really quiet, and you have just got men in suits watching you.

"To jump to this insane stadium, full of thousands of people watching just one ring, it was less daunting doing it in front of more people."

It was a hugely successful Olympics for Ireland, in what was the country's highest ever medal toll.

As the likes of swimming and rowing look set to grow in popularity after their success, Woolley hopes he can be the figure for people to take up taekwondo.

He acknowledged the popularity of the sport across Europe, and hopes people take inspiration from his success.

"I never had that growing up. I never had them people to look up to, so to be that for other people and to just promote the sport is something I hold very dear to my heart.

"I am really hoping it grows more. It is definitely growing in the right direction, and it is something I sit down and think to myself, why do we do this when time gets tough. Things can