Eyes are refocused on this week's challenge in Königssee 👀⁣ ⁣ @deverewesterneurope ⁣ @catalyst__app ⁣ @qwixskinz ⁣ @held_uk ⁣ @dare2b_sports ⁣ @raptor_weight_vests ⁣ @lizardheatltd⁣ ⁣ #bobsleigh #bobsled #stare #eyesontheprize #training #competition #challenge #strength #strong #lifting #gameface #greatbritain #focus #greglooksbetterinahelmet

Making history for Great Britain in the 2-man today with @gregcackett1. This moment is what we've been fighting for for a long time! Completely self funded and self managed this season and to finish second at a World Cup is immense! I cannot thank my sponsors and supporters enough for picking us back up when we were at our lowest and seeing our potential when others left us with nothing. Our success is because of everyone that has helped us in this past year and those that have stood with us from the beginning. Thank you for giving us this opportunity and hopefully we have many more moments like this to come. Also a massive thanks to @lukemarcusdawes and @TaylorLawrence for being there with us and going the extra mile for the team! @deverewesterneurope @catalyst__app @dare2b_sports @held_uk @raptor_weight_vests @qwixskinz @lizardheatltd @ultimatetrainingsystems @britishbobsleighandskeleton @ibsfsliding @pfp247gyms #bobsleigh #bobsled #sport #support #sponsors #thankyou #thanks #greatbritain #proud #teamgb #bbcsport #grateful

Your neck isn’t a shirt, so don’t hang it. Not all victories come with medals. 📸 @smittysmitt04

New week, new track. Out here in Igls, Austria this week for the next race! I’m also taking over @bwalkcommunity Instagram tomorrow, Tuesday January 14th! Be sure to head over to their account to check out what I’m up to! #mybwalkmoment #bwalkambassador 📸 @ibsfsliding @rekords

I will NEVER get tired of this! Another brilliant days with the boys....plus @lukemarcusdawes. 3 World Cup Races this season and 3 top 10's with a 8th today. Onto Igls tomorrow! @deverewesterneurope @catalyst__app @qwixskinz @dare2b_sports @held_uk @raptor_weight_vests @ne.enhance @ultimatetrainingsystems @lizardheatltd #bobsleigh #bobsled #winnersbox #celebration #progress #teamwork #buolding #hunting #fast #speed #wintersport #lukedidntmakethecut

Skeleton 101: never let go of your sled. Disappointing race result in La Plagne as training had gone really well. Looking to move up the ranks in the next race in Igls, Austria. Onwards and upwards.

Giving the push handle a right good kickin'! Top job to @gregcackett1 for pushing our heavy ass 200kg sled to a 4th fastest start and extremely happy with a PB finish in a World Cup race of 4th! It's been a tough week with a few injuries and illness throughout the crew but the hard work is beginning to pay off. Also a massive thanks to @lukemarcusdawes and @taylor_lawrence1 for being top blokes and supporting us so the team can succeed. Onto 4-man tomorrow. 📸 @montytrackstar @deverewesterneurope @catalyst__app @dare2b_sports @held_uk @qwixskinz @raptor_weight_vests @ne.enhance @ultimatetrainingsystems @pfp247gyms @lizardheatltd #bobsleigh #bobsled #bittersweet #outerpodium #performance #teamwork #goals #progress #wewillsucceed #moving forward #power #strength #weightlifting #strong #lifting #laplagne #france #gregissoskinnywehavetopushareallyheavysled

Sliding through the French Alps in La Plagne with my @deverewesterneurope sled. Looking forward to our first 2-man World Cup race of the season with @gregcackett1 and hoping we can improve on our 9th place 4-man finish from last week. @catalyst__app @held_uk @dare2b_sports @qwixskinz @ne.enhance @raptor_weight_vests @lizardheatltd @ultimatetrainingsystems @pfp247gyms #bobsleigh #bobsled #laplagne #france #frenchalps #winter #wintersport #mountains #views #vista #sliding #fast #speed #worldcup #racing

C’est une montagne 🇫🇷 Brushing up on my French since we have a race tomorrow morning! Women are off at 10:00am (2:00am mst) and the Men are off at 2:00pm (6:00am mst)

Weltcup Nr. 3 Winterberg ✔ Wieder ein Bärenstarkes Mannschaftsergebnis und ein extrem spannendes Rennen. Glückwunsch an @alexgibgas_sner zu Platz 🥈 Ich bin mit meinem 🥉 auch zufrieden und konnte damit im Gesamtweltcup wieder die Führung übernehmen 🙌🙌🙌 Komplettiert hat das Ergebnis @felix.keisinger auf einem ebenfalls starken 5. Platz. So kanns weiter gehen. 🔜La Plagne 🇫🇷 📸@rekords #skeleton #ibsf #worldcup #winterberg #bmw #wirfuerd #lifeofanathlet #teamgermany #teamdeutschland #headfirst #sliding #bpolsports #bundespolizeiathleten #sporthilfe

Another fantastic day of racing yesterday to grab us another top 10! Really proud of what the boys and myself have achieved and showing some real character and resilience after one of the most challenging starts to the season I've ever had. Onto La Plagne today for our next stop! @deverewesterneurope @catalyst__app @qwixskinz @ultimatetrainingsystems @lizardheatltd @held_uk @dare2b_sports @raptor_weight_vests @ne.enhance @pfpexeter @britishbobsleighandskeleton #bobsleigh #bobsled #resilience #determination #characterbuilding #racing #worldcup #challenge #teamgb #greatbritain #athletes #fast #speed #power #sport #wintersport #checkoutmynewwhip

Heading into the first race of 2020! We’re racing in Winterberg, Germany tomorrow, Sunday, at 2:00pm (06:00 mst) 📸 @rekords @ibsfsliding

Reflecting on the Decade . #1 Unconditional love and partnership . I'm weird, goofy, got a wicked temper, cuss like a sailor, never do my hair, forget to brush my teeth sometimes, cook w/ A LOT of garlic (thanks Mom), love hard, can be over protective, will not shave my legs for a date but best believe I do before race day, am very passionate, stubborn at times, open minded, caring - as Surf puts it "too nice," always multitasking, often have too much on my plate, slightly anal when it comes to a few things like: my Bobsleigh tool box, cleaning the house, packing for a trip - to name a few, if I ask you to do something I expect and want it done thoroughly, have high expectations for those in my circle, when wearing glasses I think my facial expressions are invisible (they aren't), people watcher, love to dance (including with no music on), have no shame going to the store in baggy sweatpants, oversized tee, socks slides and unkept hair, a bra being optional, pronounce things wrong all the time, have a sh*t ton of student loan debt [1 B.A, 1 M.S and 1 MBA, cheers to being overqualified (with degrees and certificates) for scholarships halfway through my 2 masters' degrees], make mistakes a bunch and often . With that, I have a partner that accepts me for me. He sealed the deal when he said, "If you were to never change from today and remain the same you but 50 years from now, I'll still love you, I love you for you, today, tomorrow, always!" . I have felt love, I have been loved, but I never had a partner where no matter what side of me was present they weren't trying to change me or I felt I needed to mask it and be more "presentable" of their ideal version of me. . This doesn't mean you aren't to change and evolve as a person but the true core of yourself is already written in the history books, those parts of you won't rwally change and you should be with someone who let's you shine for you... Unconditionally! All the parts of you. . Unconditional goes both ways. A partnership of love, communication, respect and open mindedness between you and another. . Love is the absence of judgement. With unconditional love you are FREE!

Reflecting on the Decade . #2 Self love. You can be selfish and selfless at the same time. . You do not have to give up who you are or sacrifice your well being and progress to also be giving, genuine or generous. . Working on being in love with the person in the mirror who has been through so much and is still standing opens yourself to realizing you ARE worthy, capable and enough! When that is achieved the rest falls into place. . How can you truly love another, a career, a journey, etc if you don't truly love yourself??? Self love is NOT selfish. . Put yourself at the top of your to-do list everyday. It is not your job to be everything to everyone. You owe it to yourself to show up for you! There is a reason they tell you to put your seatbelt and oxygen mask on first before you assist others on an aircraft. . When you love yourself and can be your true self in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else, that is the greatest accomplishment! . . . #selflove #love #truth #workinprogress #lessons #decade #reflect #self #priority #youfirst

Enjoying that winners box vibe after a successful day on the track! It's been a very testing first couple of months for the team but we keep bouncing back. Top 10 finish today and some decent starts from the new guys especially @taylor_lawrence1 after only 5 training runs on a side handle, @lukemarcusdawes with his World Cup debut and @gregcackett1. Looking towards the future with these guys with more experience and faster starts to put us in the mix for medals. @deverewesterneurope @catalyst__app @dare2b_sports @qwixskinz @held_uk @raptor_weight_vests @lizardheatltd @ultimatetrainingsystems @ne.enhance @britishbobsleighandskeleton @pfpexeter #bobsleigh #bobsled #top10 #veltinsarena #winterberg #germany #teamgb #olympics #experience #againstallodds #improvements #lookingahead

Reflecting on the Decade . #3 Never apologize for being yourself . . . #unique #truth #eclectic #you #yourself #unapologetic #blackqueen

Reflecting on the Decade . #4 Everyone evolves and grows at different paces. . Your friends and loved ones that you were closest with at the beginning of the decade may not be in the same place as you now. That's okay, you love them the same, share your growth and let them find their way at their pace. Don't feel guilty for moving forward, becoming that butterfly and evolving. . Growth is often uncomfortable, messy and full of feelings your weren't expecting. Maybe you used to party and now all those partying friends think you're lame because you don't have the same routine and have chosen to invest in your health and fitness journey. . A comfort zone is a great place but nothing ever grows there. Embrace the pace of your own journey. People will come and go, people will change around you, your own habits will change, your likes and dislikes switch up and people will have a lot to say about these changes in you. Might even have you feeling guilty about it. . DON'T! Your figuring "you" out at your pace, guilt and fear will hold you back! Do you boo! When you are evolving to your higher self, the road seems lonely... You are simply just shedding energies that no longer match the frequency of your destiny!

Getting low as we approach warp speed! 🚀 Our first World Cup race of the season begins tomorrow at 13:30 UK time and we're 2nd off. World cup debuts for @lukemarcusdawes and @taylor_lawrence1 plus the return of @gregcackett1 after a year out. Tune in on the IBSF youtube channel! 📸 @rekords @deverewesterneurope @catalyst__app @dare2b_sports @qwixskinz @pfpexeter @raptor_weight_vests @held_uk @ne.enhance @ultimatetrainingsystems @lizardheatltd @britishbobsleighandskeleton #bobsleigh #bobsled #racing #raceday #worldcup #germany #winterberg #teamgb #speed #fast #warpspeed

Reflecting on the Decade . #5. Privacy is golden but can be lonely. Sharing your story can save a life and create awareness for inclusion, openness, healing, hope and more! . Sharing your story is heart work. It is no easy task to bare truths and reality (especially ones you may be hidinf from yourself) but it may be the most important thing you'll ever do. . The tragedies and joys you've experienced could become someone else's hope. Providing comfort and guidance while they navigate their own journey. These truths might heal not just others but yourself. That’s what truth-telling is: letting others see what’s in your heart. You do it not to be a victim to the story, but to free yourself from the past and empower yourself and those listening to choose what comes next. . Don't be ashamed that addiction runs in your family, have loved ones with a chronic terminal illness, lost everything, was homeless, crashed, broke up with your partner, live an "alternative" lifestyle, have been depressed, feel lost, etc. . “Tell the story of the mountain you climbed. Your words could become a page in someone else’s survival guide.” — Morgan Harper Nichols . “You’re not a victim for sharing your story. You are a survivor setting the world on fire with your truth. And you never know who needs your light, your warmth and raging courage.” — Alex Elle

2020 will be about good vibes, bigger goals, more happiness, less pain, true love, faith, strong relationships and being more focused than ever! #happynewyear #2020 #cheers

The boys and myself are ready to fire things up for this weekends first World Cup races of the season 💥 our luck is just about to change... 📸 @rekords @deverewesterneurope @catalyst__app @held_uk @dare2b_sports @qwixskinz @ne.enhance @raptor_weight_vests @lizardheatltd @britishbobsleighandskeleton @ibsfsliding #bobsleigh #bobsled #winterberg #worldcup #germany #newyear #sport #wintersport #teamgb #olympics #athletes #fast #adrenaline #extremesport #againstallodds

#HappyNewYear from all of us at USA Bobsled/Skeleton! 🇺🇸 We are looking forward to celebrating more medal moments with you in 2020! 🥂

Reflecting on the Decade . #6 Strength of mindset . Some people call it grind. Others call it perseverance. Whatever you name it, a strong mindset is a trait shared by the world's best performers - such as entrepreneurs, leaders, musicians or athletes. . A strong mindset is more than simply refusing to quit. True strength of mind comes from a combination of awareness, focus and resiliency. A strong mindset is what allows you to stay focused on your intentions, instead of negative thoughts. It's what helps you understand that struggle is impermanent and won't derail your success. It keeps you from making self-destructive decisions. . It is not easy, takes practice, requires habit change but your strength of mind can open up so many more opportunities and overall happiness. . Fear holds us back, we should embrace it and strengthen our minds (the strongest muscle in our body). We are incredible creatures that can feel, overcome and accomplish so many things! The possibilities are endless, just jump 🌟

Reflecting on the Decade . #7. You are not defined by your accomplishments and accolades. At the end of the day nothing matters but the kind of person you are, the love and happiness you have and create. . There is no need to be confined to a statistic, label, phrase, gender, ethnicity, award, career title. YOU choose who you are and the way you want to express it. Piercings, tattoos, hair styles and colors, clothes, art, character, charity, etc. . Your resume is great and you've worked hard to achieve things, made sacrifices, lost and won battles but is that all that you are. Absolutely F'in NOT! There is more to YOU and LIFE. Don't let a resume define you but merely be one part of you. . Our culture begs us to stop every year at the end of December and judge our year by the sum of our promotions, relationship milestones, stamps in our passports, and the items we bought in the last 12 months. Why measure ourselfs by a list. When unfavorable or mundane things happen to us, that are sometimes even beyond our control, we set ourselves up to feel insignificant. . Of course we should be proud of our accomplishments each and every year, but we need to stop letting those things speak so much into our personal worth. . Let's take a look at ourselves from within and celebrate our personal disposition towards the things that really matter in life. Let's praise ourselves for our good attitude when times were rough, our good work ethic when we felt like we were getting nowhere, our service towards others when we didn't feel like helping anyone, and most importantly, our gratitude for the things we do have instead of the things we don't.