Jack Woolley, Ireland’s trailblazing taekwondo Olympian, has announced his engagement to longtime boyfriend Dave Stig in a heartwarming social media post.
Marking the occasion on St. Patrick’s Day, the couple shared a romantic photo of themselves kissing, with the date 17/03/2025.
For many fans, the sight of two men in love on Ireland’s national holiday symbolizes the progress the country has made in embracing LGBTQ+ equality.
Jack Woolley, born in Dublin, made history by becoming the first Irish athlete to compete in taekwondo at the Olympic Games.
Though his journey in both Tokyo and Paris ended earlier than he had hoped, his determination and athletic prowess captured the hearts of sports enthusiasts around the globe.
Off the mat, he has been equally admired for his openness about his sexuality, his unwavering positivity, and his resilience following a violent attack in Dublin in August 2021.
Since then, he has been a strong advocate for mental health awareness and community support, using his platform to encourage kindness and understanding.
Jack recently showcased his versatility by joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars, where his athletic prowess and charismatic stage presence have captivated viewers.
His performances on the dance floor have earned widespread acclaim, proving that his talent extends far beyond the taekwondo mat and into the realm of entertainment.
When news of the engagement broke, social media erupted with congratulations, well-wishes, and expressions of admiration.
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Many supporters commented that the moment felt especially poignant because it fell on St. Patrick’s Day, a time traditionally associated with Irish heritage and celebration.
By choosing that date to share such a personal milestone, Jack Woolley and Dave Stig demonstrated that love knows no boundaries, especially in a country that legalized same-sex marriage in 2015.
In interviews, Jack Woolley has often spoken about how his personal life fuels his drive to succeed.
He credits his partner for providing emotional support and motivation through rigorous training schedules, international competitions, and public appearances.
Although details about their wedding remain under wraps, the shared Instagram snapshot showed them beaming with joy, suggesting that the planning process is off to a delightful start.
The ring emoji accompanying the post left no doubt that they are entering a new chapter together, one defined by unity and hope.
Fans, fellow athletes, and prominent figures in Ireland’s sports community have all chimed in with words of encouragement.
Some recalled how Jack Woolley broke barriers by representing Ireland at the Olympics, seeing his latest step as another example of leading by example.
Others praised the couple for championing love in the face of adversity, noting that visibility matters for LGBTQ+ youth who look up to athletes like Jack Woolley.
As the newly engaged pair savors this milestone, it seems likely that Jack Woolley will continue to balance his high-performance athletic career with a growing role as an inspirational figure.
From a historical Olympic debut to a joyful St. Patrick’s Day engagement, he reminds the world that courage, both on and off the mat, can create lasting change.
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