Help Sydney Achieve Her Olympic Goals

Greetings, everyone! My name is Sydney, and I am a competitive karate athlete. My dream is to compete in the Youth Olympic Games in 2026 and, ultimately, represent my country at the 2028 Summer Olympics.

I have been training in karate since I was 6 years old, and right from the beginning, I knew I loved it. The self-discipline and mental strength it provides, along with the positive impact it has on my self-esteem, make me deeply passionate about the sport. I dedicate myself to training almost every day, striving to improve a little each time. I'm proud to share that I achieved my 1st degree black belt at the age of 12 and am currently working toward earning my 2nd degree.

Over the years, I have competed nationally and achieved numerous successes. Some of my proudest achievements include being the 2017 National Champion in kumite (sparring), winning the 2021 National silver medals in both kumite and kata (forms), securing 3 podium finishes at the AAU Jr. Olympics in 2022, and earning the bronze medal at this year's National Championships. I've also had the honor of representing the USA as a member of the AAUs National Team at the WUKF World Championships, and this year, I made USA Karate’s National Team. As part of my preparation, I will be attending training camps at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and have been selected as the first alternate for the Jr. Pan American Karate Championships in Santiago Chile this fall.

The path to the Olympics is a formidable challenge, as I need to rank among the top 10 in my weight class on a global scale. To achieve this, I'm fortunate to train under the mentorship of world-class coaches, along with an exceptional mental coach and strength and nutrition experts. However, I am fully aware that being "good" is not enough; I must be relentless in my pursuit of excellence.

To secure my spot at the Olympics, I must actively participate in various World Karate Federation events held in countries like Croatia, Mexico, Italy, and Spain. Unfortunately, the expenses involved in constant travel can be quite daunting.

In my pursuit of this lifelong dream, I am grateful for the unwavering support from my parents, who are doing everything possible to back me. Moreover, I've taken the initiative to contribute by babysitting whenever possible to help fund my aspirations. Additionally, I am the founder of my own line of female sports apparel, aiming not only to generate revenue but also to inspire and empower a community of strong young women.

However, even with these endeavors, I humbly recognize that I cannot achieve this monumental goal alone. I wholeheartedly appeal to our generous community and friends to consider extending a helping hand by donating to support my journey. Your contribution would be a vital stepping stone in turning this dream into a reality. From the bottom of my heart, I express my sincere gratitude for your consideration and support. Together, we can make history and shine on the world stage! Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey with me.