Chinook Seedery partners with athletes and scholars who represent our ideals and demonstrate the power of our product. These ambitious competitors excel in their chosen pastimes, or open the door for others who may not have had the opportunity to participate in such competitions. We'll share their stories here, once a month.
For many athletes, the Olympics are a far off destination. For this Colorado resident, the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs is home. Born and raised in Parker, Colorado, Stephen Garbett is going for the Gold, training in hopes of competing at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
“I compete in the sport of skeleton. In skeleton, we race head-first down a bobsled track, reaching speeds of up to 90mph and G-forces of about five, five-and-a-half G’s. It’s a very intense sport, and that’s the reason I like it so much.”
Garbett explains that while skeleton certainly challenges him physically, it challenges him mentally more than anything. Having to understand the different curve theories and ice conditions, while also processing the extreme speeds are just a few things needed to excel at this extreme sport.
Support Stephen's journey by using promo code "GARBETT" on your next order. You'll get 30% off and we'll donate 100% of the proceeds to Stephen's Olympic efforts.
After graduating from the University of South Carolina, Garbett began his journey to the Olympic stage and eventually earned a spot on the USA Skeleton National Team.
“The National Team is the Olympic Team this year. Depending on how we do, we’ll qualify our sleds for the Olympic year – this year and part of next year.”
“I’ve always had a passion to be an Olympian, ever since I was really young, and I’ve always wanted to represent my country. Every day when I wake up and I’m at the Training Center and I see the Olympic rings and U.S. Flag, it gives me more and more motivation, drive, and determination.”
But with all competitive sports come serious, and sometimes painful, consequences. Recently, Garbett suffered injuries to both legs, resulting in having to undergo three surgeries.
“It’s not fun, but just like anything in life, whether it be business or sports, we all hit adversities. The people who get back up the quickest and work the hardest are the ones who are going to be on top. I’m not going to let anything stop me from being on top of the podium. My goal is the Gold at the 2018 Winter Olympics, and this is just a minor setback – it’s not going to stop me.”
Garbett’s passion for skeleton and his relentless determination to qualify for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games rarely goes unnoticed, which is why both Chinook and Garbett believe this partnership is a great fit.
“It’s exciting to work with a company like Chinook,” Garbett explains. “They are growing themselves, and I am an athlete who’s growing and developing. They want to be the best, and they are working to be the best. We have a lot of common goals. It’s wonderful working with a great group of individuals who are trying to make their business as successful as possible, just like I am trying to make myself as successful as possible.”
Getting to the Gold requires a dedicated network of supporters - from coaches, teammates and community support. Chinook Seedery is proud to be a sponsor of Garbett’s “Path to PyeongChang” golf tournament, an event that will benefit his efforts on the road to the 2018 Winter Olympics. The tournament will take place at Arrowhead Golf Course in Littleton, CO on Sunday, August 21, 2016, and will include a 4-person scramble shotgun, lunch, awards receptions, a silent auction, and a chance for four lucky individuals to shoot for $50,000. To learn more or to register a team, visit the Path to PyeongChang event page.
For more information on Stephen Garbett, visit his Team USA Profile or his personal website.