Bailey Armstrong is making waves toward Olympic glory with Dream Twice

After almost hanging up his swimming cap for good, Bailey was given a lifeline of hope from the Queensland’s Academy of Sport’s (QAS) Dream Twice program.

The program partners with Queensland businesses to offer flexible, paid employment to QAS-supported athletes, allowing them to balance professional development with their sporting commitments. Through the program, Bailey has secured a role with Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ), where his competitive mindset and resilience has brought fresh perspectives to the organisation.

“The whole program just lifted me out of a situation that was really tough and sort of gave me hope,” said Bailey.

“I was lucky enough to get on QAS Swimming Australia funding at a very young age as well and so that allowed me to move up here and support my swimming.

“I was quite sweet for a few years and then I unfortunately missed the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo and and I fell off the funding. At that point, the pressure to get back on funding was ruining the sport for me and I actually couldn’t afford to do it anymore.”

Justin McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of TIQ highlighted the mutual benefits of Bailey’s placement and the unique qualities athletes bring to the workplace.

“Since joining Trade and Investment Queensland, Bailey has provided a whole range of benefits to our strategy and insights team.” he said.

“To tap into those key qualities like perseverance, resilience, determination and apply that to a business setting I think is something that was really attractive for us.”

The dynamic environment at TIQ, which has 21 offices globally and eight across Queensland, further enhances the experience for athletes like Bailey.

“It’s a very dynamic, cross-cultural environment,” Mr McGowan said.

As Queensland gears up for Brisbane 2032, QAS is encouraging more businesses to partner with the Dream Twice Program, offering elite athletes like Bailey flexible roles that complement their training schedules. Bailey’s experience with TIQ has provided him with stability and confidence, allowing him to keep swimming while building a career.

Lara Davenport, QAS Athlete and Wellbeing Engagement Lead said Bailey’s story illustrates how the program empowers athletes to pursue both career and sporting goals.

“By partnering with QAS, businesses not only support Queensland’s elite athletes but also gain unique insights, resilience, and determination—qualities that drive success on and off the field,” she said.

“Athletes looking to make money to support their sport or to support their other financial goals or to build their professional experience, we've got partners that have recognised and do recognise the value of employing athletes and the transferable skills they have.

“Dream Twice then links the athlete and the employer to have a conversation around what type of work they're interested in and how they can build their personal and professional skills and how that can work around their training and competition schedule.”

Bailey is now firmly on target to achieve his dreams of swimming at the LA Olympic Games in 2028.

“It's a long way away, but I'd really like to make an Olympics,” he said.

“I feel a little bit weightless in that regard. It’s like I know that if swimming doesn't work out, I'm fine.

I have a job lined up now. So, because of that I feel almost energised to see what I can do.”

Learn more about the QAS Dream Twice program here.