Charlotte Longden’s Journey to Olympic Glory

I had the honour to represent Great Britain in Bobsleigh at the 2020 Youth Winter Olympics in St Moritz Switzerland. My mission is to compete in the Olympic Winter Games in Milan Cortina Italy in 2026 and to be on the winner’s podium in 2030 Olympic Winter Games. I’m currently at the University of Leeds studying Economics and Geography on a dual career scholarship which allows me to combine my studies whilst competing at international level in bobsleigh, my true passion. Like many sports, there is insufficient grass root funding available, so my greatest challenge at this stage is not the opposition, formidable though they might be, but the funds to get me onto the international tracks to train and race on the Europa and World Cups circuits over the next seven seasons to achieve my mission.

There is an excellent dry bobsleigh training facility at the University of Bath, however there are no ice tracks in the UK on which to hone my driving skills; the only option is to travel to Europe or further afield to train and compete. Apart from the not inconsiderable cost of transporting a 200kg sled (I have sourced one for this season at a low cost), funds are also needed for accommodation, track fees, sports medicine (physiotherapy) and coaching costs.

So why would you back me? I have proved I have the drive, determination and hunger to succeed in piloting a sled at the highest level, given the opportunity. On the push track I have consistently fast start times; I set a junior track record at Konigsee Germany in the Youth Winter Olympics qualifying races. I am dedicated and have been training hard and successfully throughout this summer with the GB Bobsleigh team.

My 2023/24 schedule is already packed with training and competitions:

• Lillehammer, Norway – October - training

• Sigulda, Lativa – October - training

• Lillehammer, Norway – November – competition

• Sigulda, Latvia – December – competition

• Igls, Austria – December – training

• St Moritz, Switzerland – January – competition

• Igls, Austria – January/February – competition

• Lake Placid, USA – February/March – TBC

I believe in keeping my sponsors and donors updated with my performance and progress; I know how important it is to see the results of your generous support. In addition, I will be an ambassador for your brand and provide my support for any corporate activity such as after dinner speaking or team building.

I have budgeted £30,000 this season, split between; travel/transport and equipment (£8,000), board and lodging (£7,000), track fees, sports medicine and coaching fees (£15,000). I have also set up a GoFundMe page, see below. If this sounds like an adventure you would like to be part of, I would love to discuss the details with you; my contact details are below.

LinkedIn – Charlotte Longden - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-longden-39527b285/