Blizzard’s Bobsleigh Helps Unlock Olympic Qualification

The road to Olympic qualification is often defined by the slimmest of margins, but sometimes propelled by moments of extraordinary sportsmanship.

As nations finalise qualification for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, the Pho3nix Athlete Program has once again played a pivotal role behind the scenes, helping athletes overcome barriers that might otherwise have ended Olympic dreams – but in this instance, not in the expected way.

Australian bobsledder Sarah Blizzard, supported through the Pho3nix Athlete Program, catalysed the Netherlands’ qualification journey after loaning her Pho3nix-funded two-man bobsleigh to Dutch athletes Dave Wesselink and Jelen Franjic at a crucial World Cup event in St. Moritz.

After a disappointing result the week prior, the Dutch pair needed a top-eight finish to keep their Olympic hopes alive. Equipment limitations threatened to derail their campaign until Blizzard stepped in.

Her sled, funded through Pho3nix support alongside further sponsorship and family backing, provided the speed and performance needed. The result: the Dutch team delivered the finish required to secure their place in Milano Cortina.

For Blizzard, the decision reflected the values that underpin both the bobsleigh community and the Pho3nix Foundation.

“The bobsled world is one big family,” she said. “I’m more than happy to help these guys, they help me so much and they’ve been trying so hard to get these results. And they deserve it.”

The gesture extends beyond a single race. The agreement will continue potentially into the Olympic Games themselves – a rare but permissible arrangement in elite winter sport.

While the Dutch team has now confirmed its Olympic qualification, Blizzard awaits final selection as the Australian team announcement looms imminent. Currently ranked inside the qualification mix across World Cup and Europe Cup standings, she remains in contention for Milano Cortina 2026.

Designed to help athletes reach Olympic and Paralympic qualification, the Pho3nix Athlete Program has supported Blizzard’s journey. In St. Moritz, her decision ensured that another team’s journey also continues.