Road to Rio 2016
Donation protected
Hello Everyone,
My name is Jacquelyn Coward and I am a 26 year old Olympic hopeful for Rio 2016! I hail from Knoxville, TN and I am a class 2012 graduate of the University of Central Florida. Ever since I was a little girl my dream has been to represent Team USA in the Olympics. My event is the 100m Hurdles and as you read this I am currently ranked #25 in the world, #15 in the USA (See below)
http://www.iaaf.org/records/toplists/hurdles/100-metres-hurdles/outdoor/women/senior/2016
My "profession" has given me so many opportunities in my life, most importantly an education, and most amazingly the chance to travel the globe competing against the worlds best athletes in the games toughest event. The American women are the best hurdlers on earth and I am honored and blessed to be able to say that I am one of them. What most people do not realize about our sport is just how ugly the financial realities of chasing Olympic glory can be.
http://trackandfieldathletesassociation.org/site/how-much-money-do-track-and-field-athletes-make/
In the 4 years since graduating college I have pursued this dream while also tying to balance numerous part time jobs that you ultimately lose due to your availability. Relocated from Florida, to California, to Alabama to train. I have been a houseguest, a roommate, a squatter, and don't get me wrong, I am blessed, beyond blessed to have so many amazing people in my life willing to help support my dream. The 2016 season has been the best of my professional life thus far. I ran 5 of my 6 lifetime best performances during Indoor Season, and have been dialed in to delivering all that I have for the 2016 Olympic Trials next month in Eugene, Oregon (Track Town USA).
My Family, my dearest friends, my coach have been so amazing to me this past year, I don't know how I would have got this far without them, but now I am reaching out to you to help get me over the last hurdle (pun intended) standing in my way. The US Olympic Team Trials is a ridiculously expensive endeavor, and with no shoe company, or any other major endorsements backing you, its a lot to put together.
**Flights from Montgomery to Eugene and back home (or Portland 2 hours away)
** 6-10 days in a hotel (Trials prices are insane)
** Rental cars vs Taxis/Shuttles/Uber
** Proper nutritional choices
** Proper body care while in Eugene (therapist sessions)
........ Zika vaccines for Rio?? (Just kidding)
All of this for a chance to line up head to head with the baddest women on the planet, in a 12 second war over ten 33 inch barriers, to see who gets to have the honor of wearing TEAM USA on our chest to take on the rest of the world.
I've tried so hard to avoid taking to take this route. Writing this is very humbling for me, a little embarrassing to be honest, but God doesn't give you challenges you cannot handle. He would not be allowing me to go through these struggles without a larger purpose and growth. These last few years have been challenging, but I'm finally here, ready to crash the Olympic stage and bask in the glory of Gods favor and my relentless sacrifice and dedication to the process. So I ask you, please help me along my journey, every little bit helps, and if you cannot give, please just share my story, I'm grateful for any assistance. Peace and blessings to you all, and thank you in advance! And if you have the means.... come watch me in person!
http://gotracktownusa.com
My name is Jacquelyn Coward and I am a 26 year old Olympic hopeful for Rio 2016! I hail from Knoxville, TN and I am a class 2012 graduate of the University of Central Florida. Ever since I was a little girl my dream has been to represent Team USA in the Olympics. My event is the 100m Hurdles and as you read this I am currently ranked #25 in the world, #15 in the USA (See below)
http://www.iaaf.org/records/toplists/hurdles/100-metres-hurdles/outdoor/women/senior/2016
My "profession" has given me so many opportunities in my life, most importantly an education, and most amazingly the chance to travel the globe competing against the worlds best athletes in the games toughest event. The American women are the best hurdlers on earth and I am honored and blessed to be able to say that I am one of them. What most people do not realize about our sport is just how ugly the financial realities of chasing Olympic glory can be.
http://trackandfieldathletesassociation.org/site/how-much-money-do-track-and-field-athletes-make/
In the 4 years since graduating college I have pursued this dream while also tying to balance numerous part time jobs that you ultimately lose due to your availability. Relocated from Florida, to California, to Alabama to train. I have been a houseguest, a roommate, a squatter, and don't get me wrong, I am blessed, beyond blessed to have so many amazing people in my life willing to help support my dream. The 2016 season has been the best of my professional life thus far. I ran 5 of my 6 lifetime best performances during Indoor Season, and have been dialed in to delivering all that I have for the 2016 Olympic Trials next month in Eugene, Oregon (Track Town USA).
My Family, my dearest friends, my coach have been so amazing to me this past year, I don't know how I would have got this far without them, but now I am reaching out to you to help get me over the last hurdle (pun intended) standing in my way. The US Olympic Team Trials is a ridiculously expensive endeavor, and with no shoe company, or any other major endorsements backing you, its a lot to put together.
**Flights from Montgomery to Eugene and back home (or Portland 2 hours away)
** 6-10 days in a hotel (Trials prices are insane)
** Rental cars vs Taxis/Shuttles/Uber
** Proper nutritional choices
** Proper body care while in Eugene (therapist sessions)
........ Zika vaccines for Rio?? (Just kidding)
All of this for a chance to line up head to head with the baddest women on the planet, in a 12 second war over ten 33 inch barriers, to see who gets to have the honor of wearing TEAM USA on our chest to take on the rest of the world.
I've tried so hard to avoid taking to take this route. Writing this is very humbling for me, a little embarrassing to be honest, but God doesn't give you challenges you cannot handle. He would not be allowing me to go through these struggles without a larger purpose and growth. These last few years have been challenging, but I'm finally here, ready to crash the Olympic stage and bask in the glory of Gods favor and my relentless sacrifice and dedication to the process. So I ask you, please help me along my journey, every little bit helps, and if you cannot give, please just share my story, I'm grateful for any assistance. Peace and blessings to you all, and thank you in advance! And if you have the means.... come watch me in person!
http://gotracktownusa.com
Organizer
Jacquelyn Coward
Organizer
Montgomery, AL
