Bob's a Job for Dave

While most of us shudder at the thought of winter closing in, Edge Hill University Sports Technician Dave Street is relishing the prospect of ice and snow.

The 25-year-old from Maghull, who also manages the University's successful athletics team, has been selected to represent the Great Britain bobsleigh side - despite only taking up the sport a short time ago!

During the British Universities Sports Association athletics championships in June, Dave was invited to attend a series of four training weekends with the British Bob Skeleton Association (BBSKA).

"The BBSKA had a stand at the athletics meet and I was encouraged to have trials," said Dave, who triple jumps for Liverpool Pembroke Sefton. "I'll be honest, the thought of throwing myself head-first down an ice chute at speeds of up to 90mph on what can only be described as a tea tray had never crossed my mind before, but I decided to try my luck nonetheless.

"As the training days progressed it became clear that I had some ability and got down to the final selection weekend - however only four made it through to the World Class Talent Squad and it was suggested I would be more suited to bobsleigh."

Within a week of this, Dave received a call from Performance Director of the British Bobsleigh Association Richard Simmons who, based on his BBSKA performance, asked to assess Dave's technique on a real ice track in Germany.

"It all happened really quickly and having never done 4-man bobsleigh before I didn't really know what to expect," added Dave. "Things went really well and I'll now be representing Great Britain over four months of training and competition across Europe and North America.

"Assuming the team's times are good and if I keep progressing at my current rate then I see no reason why I can't be in the running for the 2010 Winter Olympics."

Dave has had to receive special consent from Edge Hill for being away from work for so long and he's thankful for their support.

"I'm really grateful that Edge Hill have allowed me to take this time off to see whether I can really make it in bobsleigh - hopefully they'll be willing to sponsor me as well. The only slight down-side is that I won't be able to continue with my other sports in case I pick up an injury - everything has to be geared towards bobsleigh.

"I can't complain though, if someone had said to me six months ago that I'd be speeding down a track in a bobsleigh with the Union Jack on my chest I'd have thought they were mad! As it turns out maybe I'm the one who's mad."

If you are interested in sponsoring Dave, contact him on 01695 584878.