WHAT'S SKELETON?  WHO AM I?

Hello everyone- it's that time of year again!  My name is Veronica Day and I am a Team USA Skeleton Athlete! Don't know what skeleton is?  Skeleton is a relative to other sliding sports, Bobsled and Luge.  But the difference is that I slide headfirst at 80+ mph on a mile-long ice track.  I like to think that since we travel face first, that makes us a little crazier.

For those of you that have followed my journey thus far, I am entering my 6th year of skeleton.  We get on ice in a month and I am currently ranked 6th in the United States!  2-3 women will qualify for the 2018 Olympics and I intend to be one of them.  Last season I medalled in 6 races (2 Silvers and 4 Bronzes) and was named the North American Cup Overall Champion!

BUT I can't qualify for the Olympics without your help!  Everyone who supported me last season was an intergral part of the success I had and I certainly wouldn't be in the situation I am in right now without your help.  Your support will allow me to continue to climb up the ladder.

So... How did I get into skeleton?  I started out as a Division I track & field athlete at Elon University in North Carolina. I graduated in 2011 with 3 Southern Conference titles, 9 All-Conference honors, 5 school records, was named the Southern Conference's Field Athlete of the Year and received Elon University's top athletic honor: the Stein H. Basnight award.  

After graduation, I made the trip up to Lake Placid, NY to take an athletic combine for the sport of skeleton.  After perfoming well, I was invited to a driving school and have been sliding ever since.  The USA Bobsled & Skeleton recruits athleticism in hopes of that athleticism transferring to the push start.  In 2012 I was the National Push Champion and set a push track record.  Since then, I've only improved my start times and climbed up the ladder to become a better driver.

Long term goals include the 2018 Olympics, but for now I'm taking it one step at a time.  And that means finding the means to compete and train internationally while representing the United States for the next 5 months.

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WHAT ARE YOU SUPPORTING?

There is no way around it:  skeleton is expensive.  I'm asking for your help with funding my upcoming skeleton season.  Here's a breakdown of what I'll need to pay for over the next 5 months.

• Lodging for international races
• Multiple Flights (To Europe and Canada)
• Race Fees 
• Baggage Fees (We check our 70lb sleds on the plane...ouch!)
• Shoes $200+
• Car Rentals
• Track time (I pay PER run!  Some tracks charge upwards of $50 for every run!)
• Recovery and nurtrition needs
• Gym fees

YOUR IMPACT ON A SELF-FUNDED ATHLETE

As a self-funded athlete, these expenses quickly add up.  I work full time for Adecco in the Athlete Career and Education Program which helps other athletes find jobs.  But it's not enough when you are traveling for half of the year.  Every dollar you donate goes directly towards helping me reach my full potential.  Top athletes are able to perform to the best of their ability thanks to sponsors- both large and small.  Your support is a device for me in all aspects of the sport; practice, racing, development and travel.

CAN'T DONATE?  THAT'S OK, SPREAD THE WORD!