Get me to the winter Olympics

Robert Taylor, member of the GB Half Pipe Ski Squad 

I am a semi-professional freestyle skier from Wales, passionate and dedicated when it comes to sports. I am currently training hard with the goal of selection for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. I am a new member of the GB Half Pipe Ski Team and although the government is providing funding for the top 4 athletes who are likely to gain medals, as a new team member, I have to achieve two placements within the top 15 of the World Series Half Pipe Ski competitions this coming season (2012/2013), to gain eligibility for selection to the Olympic Squad. This will involve entering more than 12 competitions and together with training camps.

I really need funding to get to a competition in New Zealand  on the 12^th of August this year. My intentions are to qualify as soon as possible as I will gain a higher ranking if I enter more competitions.

I will need money for flights, accommodation, ski lift passes and competition entrance fees at an approximate cost of about £3,000. I also need to attend training camps during the season prior to any competitions at an approximate cost of £15,000 so if I receive further funding it really would be a great help!

I am currently funding myself by gardening when I am at home in Barry and I have been able to support myself up until now but as my training and competition schedule increases I will not have time to work and will have to find other sources of funding.

I am currently sponsored by Nordica Skis for my skis and ski boots, Baw Bags for underwear and socks, Drift Innovation for my camera, Dr Zipe for goggles and sunglasses.  As a member of the Welsh ski team, Snow Sports Wales have helped by organising the issue of a gold card that allows me to use any of the Leisure Centres in the Vale of Glamorgan for my training needs. I also use trampoline facilities in Cardiff.

I will update you all on my progress by doing the following:-

•Training videos will be posted up online on the team GB website

•I will also be making Edits through the summer while I am at training camps in Europe.

•I will be starting up a Blog for people to follow my progress in the events, summer and winter.

•I am in the process of organizing a 6 minute interview and footage from skiing by a Television program.

•I will also be attending local schools to talk about my sporting achievements and experiences

Thank you for your support!

Robert Taylor (BobbyT)