Brogan chases her ice queen dream

Moorside's Brogan Crowley - Olympic hopeful

A MOORSIDE girl has her sights set on competing in the 2022 Winter Olympics in one of the most dangerous sports around.

Brogan Crowley (21) has dropped athletics due to injury - but is still determined to chase the Olympic dream. The promising young athlete represented England under 20s in the heptathlon, long jump, and 60m hurdles as well as Great Britain Under 20s in the indoor pentathlon. She also held the English Schools Combined Events Senior Girls 100m hurdles record. But a recurring ankle injury forced her to give up athletics.

So Brogan entered the British Skeleton programme instead, after seeing an advertisement after the Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014.

Brogan got through several selection phases and became a successful applicant from over 1,000 applicants.

Brogan, now in her final year at Loughborough University studying English and Sports Science, said: “It was a hard decision to give it up, but my injury meant I wasn’t enjoying it any more. It only made sense to see if I could fulfil my potential elsewhere.

“Skeleton has given me a new and thrilling passion and has reignited my desire to represent my country at the Olympics.”

The bob-skeleton is widely-regarded as one of the most dangerous events around. A pilot slides headfirst down an ice track on a sled at up to 80mph, the athlete’s chin skimming the ice. And there are no brakes

Brogan said:“people tell me I’m a bit crazy. To be honest, I’m not really a worrier. I don’t think I’ve ever quite understood how dangerous it can be, though.”

Brogan is now looking for financial help to fulfil her goal.

To donate, visit www.pledgesports. org/projects/2022-winter-olympics-brogan-crowley