Talented athlete Emil Friedrich has secured his first sponsorship deal from Ravenscroft.
Ravenscroft, which has sponsored a number of other talented young islanders including Sebastian Priaulx, Maya Le Tissier, Josh Lewis, Cameron Chalmers and Oakley Francart, has agreed to sponsor Emil (pictured) for the 2023 race season.
Emil explained: “I’m now in the under 13 age group and so some competitions are off island. That’s important for my development but the better I get, the more off island competitions there will be. My Mum can’t pay for all the travel that is needed and it will be even harder when my brother is old enough so I decided to write to Ravenscroft to ask them. It’s exciting to become a Ravenscroft sporting ambassador as they have supported lots of well known young athletes so I hope I can do them proud.”
Last year saw Emil set a new island record for the U13 150m and win the U13 200m race at the Hampshire Track & Field event which led to him qualifying for the Inter-counties Athletics Championship, where he finished fourth. He finished the year winning his age group race at the Silversterlauf, in Peuerbach, Austria while visiting family.
Emil continued: “I am aiming high for 2023 and want to achieve many things. First of all, I definitely want to get the 200m island record, which stands at 27.0 seconds. Last year, my PB was 27.37 seconds so it is hopefully possible. I am also looking to defend my 200m title in Hampshire, as well as winning medals in other disciplines. I would also like to get a place on the podium at the Inter-counties.
“Racing is one of my biggest passions so I am looking forward to striving to reach new achievements and setting myself big goals that I will have to work hard for. Having Ravenscroft as a sponsor gives me added incentive to achieve.”
Mark Bousfield, group managing director of investments at Ravenscroft, said Emil’s determination was clear to see. He said: “We know from our other sporting ambassadors that talent will only get you so far and that it is hard work and commitment that makes the difference. Emil has had a difficult couple of years but continues to push himself to be the best he can be. Ravenscroft is delighted that we can play a small part in helping him achieve his potential.”