When he is not tearing up the local skate park or filming a tricks video with his mates, the 17-year-old from Minnamurra on the NSW south coast is working for the Black Dog Institute, helping school kids understand and overcome mental health issues. 

It’s been a lifechanging experience for Woolley, who overcame a series of injuries just to qualify for the Tokyo Games, including skating in the qualifiers with two busted wrists. And, most importantly, he sees the difference it makes in the lives of schoolkids across the country. 

“It came about through the AIS. I’d done a lot of courses with them to help improve my mental health and I got the opportunity to be involved and it was great,” Woolley said. 

“I really wanted to help kids my age and now I get to go into schools and talk to kids about mental health, teaching strategies to overcome mental health issues. 

“I really enjoy it... just the fact I can help kids that maybe in a rough situation and hopefully help change lives.” 

Woolley now has his sights set on a second Olympic journey to Paris 2024, having skated without fear on his way to the Final in Tokyo, which was won by fellow Australian Keegan Palmer. 

And he noted the way the skateboarding competition embraces all its competitors, regardless of who wins, was a great advertisement for positive mental health. 

“The boys showed it better than ever, everyone hugging, loving each other no matter what the result was,” he said. 

David Taylor