Training full-time but work several part-time jobs in order to fund my training
Decathlon, athletics
Whilst at school my PE teacher suggested that I tried athletics at my local club, i went down trying to be an 800m runner but soon found out that wasn't going to be the case. After trying a number of events i started to specialise in the high jump but later moved on decathlon after winning the Kent Championships
I first joined the club 8 years ago but have been training full-time for 3 years
Chris Bowman
My biggest achievement so far was when I was selected to compete for Great Britain for the first time in July 2008
In 2010 I am planning to compete at the Commonwealth Games before competing at the 2012 Olympic Games in London and then all World and Olympic Championships from then onwards
My proudest moment was when I represented Great Britain for the first time. I competed in an under 23 competition held in Ashford. Being so close to home I was supported by my family, friends and some of the athletes I coach as I broke the 7000 point barrier for the first time
Sponsorship money is crucial to me reaching the Olympic Games. I currently have to train 2 sessions per day as well as work several part-time jobs to fund my training. If I were to receive sponsorship I could buy some of the equipment I am unable to buy at present as well as hopefully give up some work so I could focus more time on my training.
Over the last 3 years I have been 100% dedicated to making it to the Olympics and plan to continue to do so over the next 3 years leading up to the competition. In being this way I am currently the fastest improving decathlete in the country and am now on target for my goal. Unfortunately as I become better at my sport it becomes increasingly expensive which is why I need sponsorship. I believe I will make it to the Olympics and here is your chance to help.
The only person in decathlon I can aspire to be like is Daley Thompson. He holds the British record which won him the Olympic Games, World Championships and Commonwealth Games. If I could achieve close to what he did i would consider myself successful.
Enjoy your sport- even if like me your sport becomes your job you need to make sure you enjoy it, after all that is why you started the sport in the first place.
Most of all I enjoy the feeling of doing well in a competition. After months of hard work it's nice to finally see all that hard work pay-off as you compete in the summer.
I gratefully receive a small amount of sponsorship which has helped me to train over the last 2 years, however this is not guaranteed every year.
I truly believe I can make it to the Olympics but nobody can do it on their own.
Results
Kent Championships
9/10 May 2009
2nd Pole vault- 4.60m (new personal best) 1st 110mHurdles- 15.6s (new PB) Long jump- 6.93m (new PB)
National Combined Events Championships
13/14 June 2009
2nd with personal best score of 7255pts (236pts improvement)- a disappointing 3pts behind 1st place
Kent Combined Events Championships
Sept 2009
1st with score which broke the county record by around 200points
