TED Conversations

Jessica Winkler

Owner, Kite Beach Yucatan

This conversation is closed. Start a new conversation
or join one »

How come Pro athletes receive such little support & funding?

Everyone enjoys going to a football game, watching tennis on tv or playing sport video games. Sport is primary basis of our culture so why do athletes struggle so much? I am currently one of the small handfull of women kiteboarders in the world and has a once in a life time opportunity to rank top 9 in the world for speed. I'm about to be the only ranked canadian women setting the record for the country and have been invited to the World Kite Speed Championships in France this July. So far i've funded everything myself but can't afford the flight. How is it that such a small thing can hold a person back from achieving the most important in their life? I'm constantly struggling to understand why its so hard to achieve this.

Topics: TEDWomen extreme sports sports women
0
Share:

Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.

  • thumb

    Adam Cross

    • +1
    Jun 6 2012: I think this is why you see so many athletes wearing sponsorship jackets, helmets, and gear. If you are having trouble receiving funds have you tried to get a sponsorship? You seem like a perfect candidate for Red Bull. In fact there are some companies that have quite a lot of revenue to spend on advertising, they are willing to spend this money if it builds the brand and portrays well.

    If I were in your shoes I would start making videos of yourself. Think of it as a small investment. Here are a few videos of sponsorship done right:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2oy7b4SFgE

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGrjMpI7nPg

    Since Kiteboarding is a big air sport I'm confident you could make some pretty awesome videos.
    • thumb

      Jessica Winkler

      • 0
      Jun 7 2012: Thank you for your comment Adam :) I do have sponsors yes & I do get equipment for either very inexpensive. I've been working very hard over the past 1 1/2 years to get various media coverage & have been doing well. The biggest hurdle I am facing is being a girl in an extreme sport. No one is willing to invest quite yet..........

Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.