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Singleton: I nearly quit sport over funding crisis

Patrick Singleton

Skeleton racer Patrick Singleton has revealed that he was on the verge of quitting the sport earlier this week.

A funding crisis left the Bermuda Olympian at his lowest ebb, wondering if it was worth carrying on in a sport that has been his life for the last 12 years.

And Singleton might still have to hang up his sled if he can't solve a cash crisis that is threatening to leave his dreams of appearing in a fourth Winter Games in tatters.

Having done the hard work in meeting the preliminary qualifying standard for the 2010 Vancouver Games, the Island's most successful Winter Olympian is facing a summer of intense preparation before the business of elite qualifying begins in November.

He has already signed a deal with the British Olympic team to train with them, something that gives him access to 'the best coaches and best facilities anywhere in the world'. But all that will mean nothing if he can't raise enough money to pay for hotels, equipment, and medical support.

Singleton has been back on the Island in a desperate bid to drum up support, and after unsuccessfully applying for loans from all three major banks, is just two weeks away from having to throw in the towel altogether.

"Raising sponsorship is particularly challenging in this economic climate," said Singleton.

"It is easier to qualify for the Olympic Games than it is to raise the finance. I didn't realise it would be this hard, and earlier this week I almost decided that I was going to quit.

"I thought 'there's just no way'. After I went to the banks I was so totally disheartened I thought 'it can't be this way'. But then, when I was at my lowest level I realised that actually this is what the Olympics is all about, achieving something immensely difficult.

"So, whatever it takes, I've got to try, I can't quit, I'm so close. I've got the training part figured out, I just need the funding."

It is not as if Singleton has the option of working a part time job while training, the intensity of the sport requires full time commitment.

"This year I have the chance to have a really good result, not just qualify, but really make an impact. But you cannot qualify for the Winter Games on a part time role, the training doesn't allow it, you have to be at it full time.

"From the middle of May, when the British have insisted I start training, until the middle of January, it is essentially full time."

While the deal to train with the British team gives Singleton access to a programme he described as 'one of the best in the world', the time scale means he has just two weeks to raise the money he needs.

Singleton even considered selling shares in himself like other athletes have done.

"It's a great idea, the British Formula One driver Anthony Davidson did it, but I don't think I have any value, and I don't think too many people are interested in shares right now."

Despite the battle that lies ahead Singleton is determined to succeed, viewing the obstacles put before him as the perfect test of his Olympic ideals.

"The struggle to get there is what it's about.

"I've given 12 years of my life to this sport, there are always hurdles, but that is what makes the Olympics such a draw."

n For information on how to help Patrick Singleton reach his goal, email singleton33@yahoo.com.