Olympian Seeks Community's Help Funding His 2014 Dream

A Smithtown Olympian is hoping 2014 is the year he can fulfill his dream of bringing home a medal, but not without his family looking on. 

John Daly, 28, will be hosting a fundraiser 7 p.m. Friday at Napper Tandy's in Smithtown to help defray the costs of sending him and his family to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. 

Daly is lined up to earn himself a spot on the U.S.A. men’s skeleton team. He currently trains full time with the Olympic team in Lake Placid, New York, and is ranked No. 1. 

"I’ve got a pretty good shot," Daly said, explaining the 2014 Olympic team won't be named until Jan. 20, 2014. "If everything stays as is, I will be going to the Olympics and I’m USA 1, and they are going to take three men."

As the Olympic team isn't officially decided until days before the opening ceremony on Feb. 7, 2014, Daly and other athletes are fundraising now to help with training and travel costs. Daly said he expects it will cost $20,000 to get him and his immediate family to Russia. 

"They have been there for me since the beginning, my father used to have to drive me up to Lake Placid to compete and has been to most of my big events. It wouldn’t be right if my family isn't there," Daly said. 

As an amateur athlete, Olympic rules prohibit Daly from taking endorsements or being paid to compete. 

"This fundraiser is my way to help them get there," he said. 

Daly competed in the 2010 Winter Olympics held in Vancouver, Canada where he finished in 17th place. He was the rookie of the U.S. team then, as he started sliding in 2001 thanks to his Smithtown Middle School gym teacher Len Carolan. 

But Daly's hopeful 2014 might be his year. 

"If everything goes as is, it should be one. You can’t count on it, anything can happen the day of the race," he said. 

The cover charge for the Napper Tandy's fundraiser is $15, which will go directly to John Daly's trip. There will also be raffle prizes including a bobsled, Yankees tickets and a 50/50 raffle.