The Yokohama name could soon be plummeting downhill faster than a falling stone after the premium tyre manufacturer agreed an exhilarating sponsorship deal with bobsleigh pilot and winter Olympic hopeful, Nikki McSweeney.
As part of the agreement, McSweeney’s bobsleigh, which will compete in this year’s Europa Cup and World Championship series, will prominently carry the tyre maker’s branding, as will her support van which is used to transport her bobsleigh and other equipment to races across the continent.
In addition to financial assistance, which will allow McSweeney to spend more time training within the UK, Yokohama will also equip her van with a set of Yokohama winter tyres, ensuring she can travel legally throughout Europe and reach competitions safely, regardless of the challenging road conditions often encountered in winter sport locations.
Speaking about the partnership, Peter Fairlie, CEO Yokohama UK said, “Operating at the pinnacle of your field can be incredibly tough, so we are delighted to lend our support to Nikki on her special journey to the Olympics. We will watch her progress with great interest and wish her the very best of success in her endeavours.”
As a full time veterinary physiotherapist, McSweeney first became involved in bobsleigh when she was competing in athletics while studying for her undergraduate degree at the University of Hertfordshire.
Almost ten years on, Nikki has progressed from her initial role as a brakeman, to now piloting the bobsleigh, something which requires incredible bravery and skill to control a 170kg bobsleigh at speeds of up to 90mph.
“I am so grateful to Yokohama for their support,” commented Nikki McSweeney. “While living and working in Milton Keynes, my training schedule means I need to go to Bath University every single week, so it’s a real game changer not having to fit in such long work hours. I’ll really be able to ramp up my training which will hopefully allow me to achieve consistent podium finishes this year.”
McSweeney finished an impressive 13th in the Austrian world cup last year, after only managing to compete in four out of the eight possible races. As part of her ambition to reach the 2026 Winter Olympics, which will be held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, McSweeney is hoping to enter all eight races this year.
To follow Nikki’s progress on the road to the Olympics, visit www.nikkimcsweeney.co.uk.