Hayley Lewis, once a household name in the world of competitive swimming, has embarked on a surprising new career path that has taken her far from the Olympic spotlight. The former swimmer, who captured the hearts of Australians in the 1990s, now channels her energy into a unique business venture in Brisbane.
Lewis first rose to fame as a teenage swimming sensation, earning a place in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1997. Over her career, she claimed two Olympic medals across three different Games. However, after a stint as a television host, she seemingly vanished from public view. So, what happened to Hayley Lewis?
From Olympic Pools to Retail Aisles
After her meteoric rise in the swimming world, Lewis opted for a quieter life away from the media frenzy. She resides in Brisbane with her husband, Greg Taylor, and their two sons, Jacob and Kai. Her youngest, Kai, has followed in her footsteps, winning silver in the 4×100 metre freestyle relay at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Lewis now dedicates much of her time to her gift and homewares store, Coming Up Roses, located in Balmoral. The store, described on its Facebook page as the “perfect store for unique, quirky and ‘hard to find’ gifts,” offers a variety of items, including the trendy Sonny Angel dolls. This venture began after her swimming centre at Westfield Carindale closed in 2010, marking a new chapter in her life.
A Legacy of Athletic Excellence
In her prime, Lewis was a formidable force in the pool. At just 15, she secured five gold medals and one bronze at the 1990 Commonwealth Games. Her success continued at the 1991 World Championships in Perth, where she added a gold, two silvers, and a bronze to her collection. She competed in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, winning a silver and bronze, and later participated in the 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Olympics.
For her contributions to Australian sport, Lewis received an Australian Sports Medal in 2000 and a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2003. Her legacy now lives on through her son Kai, who has brought pride to the family by continuing the Olympic tradition.
Transitioning from Television to Business
Following her retirement from competitive swimming, Lewis transitioned to television, hosting “The Biggest Loser Australia” from 2010 to 2014. Despite the show’s controversies, she remained a staunch supporter, stating in a 2015 interview,
“Even though I’m not the host anymore, I’m still a big believer in the show. I’ve never said anything negative about The Biggest Loser. And I won’t.”
In 2014, Lewis announced her departure from television to focus on her family and business. Her decision to step back from the limelight allowed her to pursue her passion for retail and motivational speaking, where she also serves as Queensland’s Mental Health Ambassador.
Looking Ahead
As Lewis continues to thrive in her new career, she remains a beloved figure in Australian sports history. Her journey from Olympic champion to successful entrepreneur serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the diverse paths athletes can take after their competitive careers conclude.
With her son Kai now making waves in the swimming world, the Lewis legacy is set to endure, bridging generations and inspiring future athletes. Hayley Lewis’s story is a testament to resilience and reinvention, proving that life after sports can be just as fulfilling and impactful.
