Hayley Lewis

Hayley Lewis, born on March 2, 1974, in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, displayed exceptional swimming talent from a young age. At just 15 years old, she gained national recognition by winning five gold medals and one bronze medal at the 1990 Commonwealth Games. This early triumph was followed by significant international success at the 1991 World Aquatics Championships in Perth, where she secured a gold medal in the 200m freestyle, along with multiple silver and bronze medals across various events. Her Olympic career includes three appearances, earning two medals at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics: a silver in the 800m freestyle and a bronze in the 400m freestyle. She continued to compete, participating in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and returning from retirement for the 2000 Sydney Olympics at the 800m freestyle, placing 13th. She also achieved success in open water swimming, securing a bronze medal in the 5 km open water event at the 2001 World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, before ultimately retiring from competitive swimming.

Following her decorated swimming career, Lewis embarked on new professional ventures. In 2002, she established Australia’s first swim school located within a major shopping center, demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit. She then ventured into retail, owning a gift and homewares store named Coming Up Roses in Brisbane. Lewis also gained prominence in television as the host of five seasons of the Australian version of “The Biggest Loser” between 2010 and 2014. In April 2011, she published her first business book, “Dream Believe Create,” which shares her insights on business. Hayley’s commitment to social causes is evident through her role as Queensland’s Mental Health Ambassador for Workplace Health and Safety. She furthered her education by completing a psychology degree in 2022 and is currently pursuing a master’s in counseling, underscoring her dedication to mental well-being.