My athletic goal is:
Greetings Friends . My name is Gwendolyn Berry!! My sport is Track and Field and I am a female hammer thrower! The past few years have been extremely hard and trying, however I have had unspeakable success in Track and Field. Just recently I was selected to represent America in the Pan American Mexico Festival. I had the opportunity to compete against a woman that I have idolized since the first day I placed a hammer into my hands, Yipsi Moreno. Yipsi Moreno, in my opinion, is the most decorated female hammer thrower in history based on her longevity and persistence in this event. The fact that I defeated a woman that was granted an Olympic Medal gave me an undying urge to want more. It has opened my eyes to see that what I once thought was impossible is indeed very possible. In addition to winning my first Pan American Gold medal, I have competed against the former world record holder, an Olympic gold medalist, and other top ranked female hammer throwers in IAAF World International Hammer Challenges. I finished 8th this year, where last year and the previous year I was not even considered. Being a part of these international competitions has allowed me to gain an ample amount of experience which is necessary in this sport. International competition is more important than competing solely in your country primarily because of the demand of growth and maturity that is required to reach a certain platform in Track and Field. It is tremendously difficult to compete against the best in the world when you have no idea how to manage in a foreign country competing against the world's greatest athletes. With the help of you my supporters it is my hopes to have had the funds to be able to travel, achieve, and overcome the first step of increasing my world ranking from 36 to top 15 in the world into getting myself onto the medal stand!! I want to become one of the first Female hammer throwers from the United states of American to win an Olympic and World Championship medal; it is embedded in my heart and I know this can be achieved because of my unending progress and simply because I have sacrificed my all.
I will be using the funds for:
The funds graciously donated to me will be used solely for travel fare for international Hammer competitions and Training expenses. Since 2011 I have worked 2-3 combined part time jobs in order to maintain survival and to be able to accurately train in order to continue my quest of being a medalist for my country. The truth is USA Track and Field has been in constant pursuit, for decades, trying to figure out a solution in the increase of Professional Athlete support. However, athletes are still suffering due to lack of financial support and stability. According to CNN Money, 50% of the athletes who rank top 10 in the USA receive less than 15,000 dollars a year. Elite status athletes cannot support themselves in the midst of sacrificing their lives for the sport. I am part of that 80%. Even though I have made the choice to pursue this career it is very overwhelming at times.
International Hammer Challenges begin April of 2015, followed by the desired Team to make this Year, The 2015 World Championship Competition.
Most International Competitions range from: $2,000 for airfare,
Your contribution means:
Your Contribution and constant support would mean the world to me. Not only will I be able to pursue my dreams but I will be able to respectfully represent my country and be a part of something greater than myself. Words cannot express my gratitude, only my actions. Even though I do not have much to give, I will be able to give my heart to sport and my heart to the people that support me because those who support me are showing that they believe in me.
Please Check out my rewards!! For a contribution od $100.00 I will be sending out an autographed framed picture and a Nike T-Shirt!! For a contribution of $500.00 I will speak at your business of choice sharing story and words of encouragement to thriving young athletes with the same dreams!!
