I am Warwick Crawford, an 18yr old boy from the small country town of Mansfield, set at bottom of Mt Buller, the very same mountain that has produced athletes like Anton Grimus (Ski X), Alex Chumpy Pullen (Snowboard X) and Lydia Lassila (Aerials). These athletes have done very well in their specific sports and have set a great pathway which talented youth can follow. I desire that pathway, and have the talent, but I have no help from the Australian body (SSA). I am out on my own. I will push harder than my competitor, I will fight fitter and I will ski faster so my dream, to become a success, as a champion of the world in Alpine Ski Racing can come true. No Australian has yet succeeded in this.

My sport, although being one of the most popular sports in Europe, is hardly recognised in Australia due to the fact that we have not yet had Results. This stops funding and it stops the progression of Australian Racing.

I want to give Australians something worth celebrating. I’m on my way to the top and I'm knocking on the door. At 18yrs of age, I am in the exclusive group of Australia's fastest skiers, skiing with people 4-6 years older than me.

I train every day in the gym and I ski every morning during winter. I have to spend 4 months in Europe during their winter, training day in day out and competing against the best in the world, so that I can beat the best and be the best. In October I finish my VCE studies and hope to peruse skiing full time.

For years my family has funded my brother and I, but it’s coming time where our money is stretched so thin that I may not be able to continue skiing. Without funding my dream will end, without me being able to give my all. I want to give it everything. I want to know that I'm one step closer to standing on that podium with Australia cheering behind me, with that golden medal around me, and that surging Olympic pride running through me. I want to change the game. I'm going to write Australia's name in Alpine Skiing history.

I need help to train overseas for as long as I do, I need funds for coaches, accommodation, food and race entries. If you do decide to fund my skiing career, this is where your money will go.

Thank you, Warwick Crawford.