Chasing the Olympic dream
Donation protected
My name is Frank Del Duca, and I am training to become a pusher/brakeman for the U.S. Bobsled team. I was born in Broward County Florida, and played a variety of sports throughout my childhood in Florida, South Carolina, and Maine. I graduated from the University of Maine in 2014, with a bachelor’s of science in Kinesiology and Physical Education. While at Maine, I walked on to the Division I track and field team- working my up to team captain and conference champion. Due to an ACL injury, my track career was cut short and I was not able to finish my senior season how I would have liked. As disappointed as I was not being able to defend my conference title and chase other school records I knew that I wasn’t done in my athletic endeavours. With the help of my family, friends, and teammates, I was able to recover and knew that I wanted to be apart of something larger than my self again.
Once my track and field career ended, I was still eager to become the best athlete I could be. I tried out for a AAA football team the following year, the Southern Maine Raging Bulls. I made the team as a kicker, punter, and wide receiver. However, bobsled peaked my interest a few years ago, and when the opportunity to try out presented itself, I had to pursue it. After taking part in one of many combines held across the country, I was invited to attend a rookie camp and then compete in a Preliminary Push Championship for other athletes like myself. Out of 20 men who competed at the prelim push champs I placed 3rd and earned an invite back to the National Push Champs in September to compete against current Team U.S.A Bobsled athletes. Based off the the rankings of National Push Champs, drivers will then choose which pushers they want on their sled. Once the teams are chosen, we race on ice for National Team Trials to determine sled rankings.
Here is a video of me pushing from the brakeman position at the Preliminary Push Championships. This was the second fastest brake push on the day. I’m excited to compete with the veterans and work my way up!
http://www.hudl.com/technique/video/view/2zRunIIe
Being a part of the U.S. Bobsled team is a dream of mine, and representing the United States would be an honor. As if that wasn’t enough- the sport is exhilarating, with speeds reaching 90+ mph and 5+ G forces. Starting out in the sport of bobsled is self-funded, and any support would be greatly appreciated. Please join me on this journey of making a dream come true. Your generous donations will go towards equipment, travel, food, and helping me become part of Team USA.
Once my track and field career ended, I was still eager to become the best athlete I could be. I tried out for a AAA football team the following year, the Southern Maine Raging Bulls. I made the team as a kicker, punter, and wide receiver. However, bobsled peaked my interest a few years ago, and when the opportunity to try out presented itself, I had to pursue it. After taking part in one of many combines held across the country, I was invited to attend a rookie camp and then compete in a Preliminary Push Championship for other athletes like myself. Out of 20 men who competed at the prelim push champs I placed 3rd and earned an invite back to the National Push Champs in September to compete against current Team U.S.A Bobsled athletes. Based off the the rankings of National Push Champs, drivers will then choose which pushers they want on their sled. Once the teams are chosen, we race on ice for National Team Trials to determine sled rankings.
Here is a video of me pushing from the brakeman position at the Preliminary Push Championships. This was the second fastest brake push on the day. I’m excited to compete with the veterans and work my way up!
http://www.hudl.com/technique/video/view/2zRunIIe
Being a part of the U.S. Bobsled team is a dream of mine, and representing the United States would be an honor. As if that wasn’t enough- the sport is exhilarating, with speeds reaching 90+ mph and 5+ G forces. Starting out in the sport of bobsled is self-funded, and any support would be greatly appreciated. Please join me on this journey of making a dream come true. Your generous donations will go towards equipment, travel, food, and helping me become part of Team USA.
Organizer
Frankie Del Duca IV
Organizer
Bethel, ME
