Michael's Olympic Dreams

Hi my name is Michael Anderson. Here's a little bit about me. I am from Fayetteville, Arkansas. I am a graduate of Fayetteville High School and attended the University of Arkansas. I am employed as a trainer for a program known as PUSH. It was founded by Stephen Ray Stafford. I coach many individuals and groups of people through very tough workouts that push their limits and help them achieve their fitness goals. In addition, I am a strength and conditioning coach for groups of dance and gymnastic athletes in grades 6th through 12th along with being a part of training several FHS volleyball athletes win back to back state championships. While helping train and encourage others to achieve their dreams, I have found my dream and that is to compete in the 2022 Winter Olympics and hopefully future Olympic games. I will represent Team USA in the winter sport of Skeleton. To succeed in this sport I not only need to be as explosive off the start line as possible, but drive the single man sled down the same straights and tight turns as the US Bobsled team. All while moving at speeds upwards of 80 miles per hour lying on my stomach going face first inches from the ice on a narrow sled. Up to this point I have been diligent in following my nutrition plans as well as strict strength and conditioning templates to increase my speed and power. After several training combines to test my power and speed at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and other locations around the country I know I have the ability to make it. However, the next phase where I must attend the Elite Development training if I wish to make this dream a reality is right around the corner.

Elite Development is essential in order for me to progress. I must attend this training at the Utah Olympic Park in Park City where I will not only learn how to be a better athlete, but more importantly learn how to better drive the single man sled in the Skeleton event. The only way to teach this is by hands on training and repetition utilizing this camp and future ones like it in the coming year.

More than a year ago, I shared this dream with my parents. I had no idea how or what event I would try to compete in. On June 29, 2015, my dream started to become a reality. I competed in my first ever combine for the USA Bobsled/Skeleton Team. It was, in a word, awesome. My drive and determination to compete in the Olympics is stronger than any goal I have set for myself; that includes completing my first half IronMan competition and back to back marathons.

A little background -- When I was 10, I began having medical issues that required countless trips to Arkansas Children's Hospital to discover the cause of several seizures. During these visits, I witnessed many children fighting their own battles and it gave me a new appreciation and perspective for life. I have the support of family and friends, I have my faith and I have a determination that I gained through my experience at Children's that has led me to this new adventure in my life.

I know my dream is big, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to achieve it! While the training has been and is grueling and exhausting, the financial strain is the most daunting. I've been able to support myself to this point with the help of my family and friends, but to take it to the next level I need help. "Driving school" is essential for me to attend from November 23rd-December 3rd at the Utah Olympic Park in Park City. This is where I will not only learn how to be a better athlete, but more importantly, learn how to actually drive the single man sled in the Skeleton event. Additional training equipment, nutritional regiments, physical therapy and travel expenses are just a few of the upcoming costs I will incur to make it to the combines and next stages to become a member of the US OLYMPIC TEAM! I appreciate any support you can provide to help me reach my Olympic dream! Thank you to everyone who has helped me reach this point on my journey. None of this would be possible and I wouldn't be where I am if it weren't for you all. I am forever grateful.