Support David’s journey to the 26’ Winter Olympics

My name is David Y. Rodriguez Donahue and I am a rookie member of the United States Bobsled team. I’ll be racing my first season under rising USABS pilot Grady Mercer on the North American Cup circuit in both 2-man and 4-man disciplines. I work as a government contractor on the US Navy dive and salvage base in Panama City, Florida, while training full-time as an athlete after work. As USA bobsled athletes, only a handful of us are funded for travel, food, and training. In order to receive funding and become a part of the national team, you must have sliding experience and a top 12 push time. This year, my individual push time was the 13th best. In order to take the next step before the Olympic Winter Games in '26, I’ll have to hone in on training and push hard during this coming season, which kicks off in Whistler, Canada, on the 14th of November.

This endeavor entails missing long stretches of work on base, which makes the financial burden grow each week I’m unable to clock in. In order to help fund my training, travel, and food expenses this season, I am starting this donation page to ask for any amount of financial assistance those that wish to help my cause can offer. Any amount helps me tremendously as I have sacrificed every other aspect of my life in order to pursue this dream to make it to the Olympic Games and help our country bring home a medal for the first time since 2014.

There is no obstacle that can be placed in front of me that I will not find a way to overcome, regardless of the sacrifices necessary. I hope that my journey can inspire others to reach for those things that seem improbable or impossible at first glance. I hope to leave a positive impact on those around me and the youth below me by way of example throughout this journey.

I want to sincerely thank anyone who took the time out of their day to read this, regardless of whether you’re able to donate.

Thank you,

-David

Edit / goal change:

Ive now been selected to race in Park city Utah from the 27th of November to the 8th of December and at our home track in Lake placid in January In hopes to qualify our sled as “Sled 3”, allowing us to compete In the world championships THIS year in lake placid in March leading into the games the following season. There is no way I can express how grateful I am for the support I’ve received thus far. Thank you again and again.