Bailey Armstrong is making waves toward Olympic glory with QAS Dream Twice program

25-year-old Australian swimmer Bailey Armstrong was given a lifeline of hope from the Queensland Academy of Sport’s Dream Twice program after almost giving up swimming due to financial hurdles.

The program partners with Queensland businesses to offer flexible, paid employment to QAS-supported athletes. Through the program, Bailey secured a role with Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ).

“The whole program just lifted me out of a situation that was really damaging my mental health,” Bailey said. “Now I feel like I can actually commit to swimming because I’m not stressing about money.”

“It’s a long way away, but I’d really like to make an Olympics,” he said. “I feel almost energised to see what I can do.”