British Bobsleigh Association
Lee Johnston |
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 Test Data: Height: 179cm Weight: 101kg |
Date of Birth: 16/06/1972 Home Town: Whitby Resides: Taunton Event: 2+4 Man Position in Sled: Driver Profession: Athlete/Royal Marine Games Attended: 1998 - Nagano, 2002 - Salt Lake City, 2006 - Torino Current Ranking: Sponsorship: Honours:
British champion two man for 5 years Funding Awards: |
Focus
Lee was brought up in Whitby, North Yorkshire by his parents, Helen and Keith. He left home at 17 to join the Royal Marines in 1990, where he competed in many sports, but excelled in a couple. These were Rugby and Athletics, where he represented both the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.
After five years in the Royal Marines, he a read a poster regarding Bobsleigh and made the call, three weeks later he was pushing a junior driver on the European Cup Circuit for Great Britain. He couldn't believe it, but enjoyed the sport so much, that he decided to put his career on hold, and asked the Royal Marines for time off to train, to see if he could get selected for the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan.
This aim he achieved, and not only did he go as as a reserve brakeman to the four man team, but also as the driver of the GB2 Two Man Bob, where he finished in 20th place, out of 44.
With the GB1 4 man team winning a bronze medal in Nagano, it gave Lee the drive to go to the next Olympics as the No1 driver.
Improving all the time, he gained the No 1 seat in the 2man sled and went to the Olympics at Salt Lake City in 2002, where he improved his previous result, finishing a commendable 10thplace out of 39.
He hopes this is the steppingstone that will help him achieve his dream of competing for a medal at the Winter Olympics in Torino 2006.
Lee now lives in Taunton with his wife Sarah and his two sons George and Harry, 50 miles from the push start facility in Bath University where he trains 6 days a week.
Royal Marines website