From setbacks to second chances: Bailey Armstrong navigated his future in and beyond the pool.
When Bailey Armstrong missed Olympic qualification in 2021, most assumed his story had reached its end. But as National Careers Week 2025 celebrates the future of Australian ambition, Bailey is proving that some of the most powerful career journeys can begin in moments of setbacks.
The 26-year-old open water swimmer is now steering his journey with renewed clarity, chasing Olympic glory at LA 2028 and preparing for life after the finish line.
“Dream Twice” isn’t just the title of Bailey’s journey—it’s his mindset. Backed by the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS), Bailey’s resilience offers a real-time case study in how elite athletes are redefining what a sports career looks like in 2025 and beyond.
“I didn’t qualify for Tokyo. I was gutted,” he said. “But that loss forced me to look ahead, not just at LA 2028, but at the bigger picture.”
That bigger picture includes studying paramedicine, gaining life experience through travel, and making the most of QAS’s athlete support programs to ensure his career progress isn’t solely defined by the stopwatch. Through the Dream Twice program, Bailey secured a tailored role at Trade and Investment Queensland, where he contributes to market research and strategy—applying his competitive mindset in a global business setting.
In line with National Careers Week’s theme “Navigating New Career Pathways” Bailey's story is a great example of navigating career pathways through the Dream Twice Athlete Employment Program.
The program partners with Queensland businesses to provide flexible, paid employment that supports athletes’ sporting commitments while helping them build real-world experience. It’s not just about performance—it’s about developing life skills, career confidence, and future pathways that extend well beyond the pool.
Bailey isn’t just making waves in the water. He’s mapping a new course for what it means to be an elite athlete in Australia—on and off the clock.
Ready to Dream Twice?
If you’re an athlete looking to shape your future or a business ready to support Queensland’s sporting talent visit the QAS Athlete App or speak to your Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement Officer.
For more information about the program, visit qasport.qld.gov.au/dreamtwice
Last updated: 15 May 2025