An online campaign dedicated to raising money for Jacki Munzel — a 50-year-old speed skater from Long Beach who qualified for the Olympic trials and hopes to make the U.S. Olympic team to compete in Sochi, Russia, in February 2014 — has netted more than $2,100 as of Wednesday.
Munzel, who is currently in Utah training for the trails that will be held in Salt Lake City from Dec. 27 to Jan. 1, created the GoFundMe page.
The page reads:
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As a young Figure Skater I had a goal to compete in the 1984 Olympics. I was never able to complete this dream due to a eating disorder that took 14 years of my life. I am grateful to say I am sober 19 years. I have never lost [sight] of my dream. As I have matured my dream has been altered and tweaked, but continues to be a burning desire within. My new goal has been set. I want to skate in the Olympic [trials] as a Long Track Speedskater. Two competition seasons later I am happy to say...
I HAVE QUALIFIED for OLYMPIC TRIALS at 50yrs YOUNG!!!
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I need help as I embark on this last leg of this journey. I realize that I cannot do this alone and need your financial support. I have so far funded my own dreams through hard work, dedication, and the support of my Family. Living in Long Island, New York has had it's disadvantages. One of my challenges has been that the closest proper facility for training is in Milwaukee, Wis. Although this challenge has miles it hasn't stopped me from training on a slide board in my house everyday. I have been driven to show every person that they should NEVER give up on a dream no matter what the odds are. I am enjoying every step I take.
I look forward to your help in this endeavor. Feel free to share my story. At my age every ounce of help is gratefully received!
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