Bailey Lewis
Bailey Lewis (AU)
Biography
Bailey Lewis's journey in taekwondo began at just five years old when he was captivated by a demonstration at a local fete in Melbourne’s western suburbs. Enthusiastic and driven, Bailey joined the City West Taekwondo club and gradually honed his skills. While he initially didn’t stand out as the top fighter, his determination and the support from great teammates and coaches helped him rise through the ranks. By 2017, he was ranked No. 20 in the world in the under-54kg division. Two years later, he reached the quarter-finals at the Taekwondo World Championships, placing fifth.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Bailey's dedication to training never wavered. In 2022, his perseverance paid off with a bronze medal at the Korean Open. The following year, he continued to impress on the international stage, reaching the semi-finals at the Australian Open, performing strongly at the world championships in Azerbaijan, and competing successfully in grand prix tournaments in France, Italy, and China.
His relentless pursuit of excellence secured him a spot at the 2024 Paris Games. In a tense Oceania Olympic qualifying tournament held in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Bailey clinched gold in the 58kg division by defeating the local favorite, Isaac Myrie. Now, he's set his sights on making his mark on the Olympic stage.