Athlete Interview

• How Did I Get Into My Sport?:

  Jeremy Holm introduced me to the sport of bobsledding back in 2004. However, it wasn't until the winter of 2007 that he took me on my first ride in a bobsled.

  My introduction to the sport was more like a baptism by fire.

  One wintery evening, Jeremy called me up and said that he was going "sliding" and asked that I join him.

  The drive up to the track, Jeremy gave me all the pointers, and basically told me to just run, jump in the sled, and hold on.

  I received no formal training... that came later.

  I'm addicted to the sport of bobsledding.

• A Favorite Sport-Related Memory Is...:

  There are so many stories I could share about bobsledding, but the one I love sharing more than most I hardly remember -- I blacked out on my first run in a 2-man bobsled.

  No lie! The very first time Jeremy took me sliding, I blacked out about two-thirds down the track, and can't remember the rest of the ride.

  It wasn't too scary for me, since I was sleeping. Jeremy, on the other hand, was probably frightened... I was supposed to pull the brakes after we crossed the finish line.

  That didn't happen... we crashed into a snow bank. Thankfully, we didn't get hurt.

• Some Obstacles I Have Overcome Are...:

  Challenges come to each one of us, no matter who we are. The one thing that I've learned from this sport is that you never give up. Even if you have been beaten, and have fallen short of success... you never give up!

• Who or What Helped me Through Them?:

  I'm a religious person. And, in a world so fraught with atheism, some would mock me for saying, but I know that God helps me through the challenges of life.

  My wife is my strength and support. She believes in me, and pushes me to reach higher heights and break all limits. I love her so much!

  I'm also grateful for good friends who are always there to support me, and lift me up when I'm weak.

• When the road ahead gets tough, I...:

  When the road of life gets hard (and that is "when," not "if"), I get on my knees and pray. God hears me.

  But, I don't stop there.

  I get up, and get things done. Even if I can only do something small; I get it done. It is amazing to see the difference I feel when I accomplish something. It truly is the little things that help us become successful.

• What Has My Sport Taught Me About Life?:

  Life moves pretty quickly... even faster than a bobsled. Enjoy every second!

• If You Feel Its Too Late or You're Not Good Enough, I Say...:

  It is never too late to start something new. I started bobsledding at the age of 28, and had no previous experience in a similar sport. If I can get into bobsledding, knowing nothing about the sport, than you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

  You are successful if you've fallen and gotten back up.

• If I Could Do Anything For the Rest of My Life It Would Be...:

  If I could do anything for the rest of my life...

  I would serve others, bobsled, and ride my motorcycle. That would make a happy Don.