Hi, my name is Harry Taylor. I am excited to announce that I have been called up to represent Great Britain for the first time. I have been selected to run in the 100m and 200m at the FISU World University Games 2025 in Rhine Ruhr, Germany this July.

However, to make it to the games, I have to raise funds for a “cost of participation”. Unfortunately, these costs will not be covered my university or the national governing body, British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS). This means that I’m on my own with this one and it’s up to me (and hopefully you) to get me there.

So, what’s the big deal?

This dream is bigger than myself. Other than simply wanting to go because it would be cool or for other classic athlete reasons such as “elevating to the next level”, my story extends beyond that.

In November 2023, I lost one of my biggest supporters being my father. Dad never missed a single one of my sporting events. Whether it was standing the freezing cold on the side of the rugby pitch while mum watched through her fingers or in a sports hall while I fought for my life to not get slashed with a sabre. He was always there. Always cheering as loud as he could, giddy as a schoolboy. He gave me every opportunity he could and always encouraged me to do absolutely everything. For that I’ll be forever grateful.

As I spoke at his funeral, a duty that nothing in life will ever prepare you for, I made a promise. A promise that I have referenced many times before.

I promised to make him proud and to put on a show.

So far, I have managed to, break county records, win multiple national medals at the senior level, and represent England at Loughborough International. All while working as a lifeguard and studying an MSc in Strength and Conditioning at Loughborough University.

These funds will go directly towards:

• The cost of participation (£2100)

• Transport costs such as flights (250-500)

• Any additional overlooked costs

Any help will be more than appreciated. Whether that be financially, spreading the word, watching while I’m out there, or just reading this far.

If you want to keep up to date follow my instagram - hbtaylor_24