08/06/2026
Itâs never easy being a young, semi-professional athlete trying to achieve their sporting goals whilst juggling work, training demands, nutritional needs, rest, recovery and sleep.
It doesnât help when, even though youâre towards the top of your sport, your sportâs governing body doesnât recognise, or support your endeavours, save for a GB branded riding shirt that your mum had to wash each night between rounds of competition, ready to wear again the next day, despite being Junior Trials World Champion.
Supporting athletes achieve their goals, and helping guide young people who are dedicated, focused and disciplined, is what I enjoy doing. And whilst it forms part of my livelihood, sometimes you have to do the right thingâŚshow that you care, that you believe and that you support. Sometimes, itâs time to step up and give someone a chance.
So, Iâm delighted to sponsor Oliver Weightman by providing free MSK and nutritional therapy to help him achieve his objective of becoming UCI Trials World Champion. Okay, itâs not the cash he and his hard-working parents need towards the cost of overseas travel, accommodation, training camps and competition entries. But itâs something. It shows Oliver that he has worth and that we believe in him. And thatâs vital to show any young person, athlete or not, that theyâre worth investing in, whatever form that might be.
Unlike the GB riders, his oversees peers and competitors typically travel with a physio and a nutritionist; they have their accommodation and travel paid for or at least partially funded by their countryâs federation, and regular training camps to encourage skills development, social support and camaraderie. Yet despite this, itâs been the GB riders, including Oliver, who have dominated the podiums over the last few years.
It can feel lonely for any 20-year old, finding his way in the world. Oli is realising that sometimes, hard work and obvious ability donât necessary get you recognition or support. But heâs determined to become World Champion anyway. I hope to make it a little easier for him.
If anyone has any ideas, sponsor contacts or is looking for a meaningful sponsorship opportunity, please get in touch with either me or Oliver directly.
For more info about Trials riding and Oliver:
https://www.instagram.com/oliver.weightman
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084659979481