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As a former member of Team GB's bobsleigh squad and now director of a Jersey-based sports tech company, this islander is no stranger to adapting to new circumstances.
Offering islanders the chance to safely complete a 5k, 10k or half-marathon race virtually, whilst supporting a service to provide meals for frontline workers and their families, Will Golder’s company RaceNation is striving to make the best out of a difficult situation.
It’s with that positive perspective in mind that the former bobsleigh competitor reflects on the five things he loves about his island home...
Jersey really does punch well above its weight in the sporting arena. Superb infrastructure and investment into physical fitness has been crucial to way of life here. It’s how I was spotted as an athlete growing up and how I managed to have several successful years with Team GB Bobsleigh, taking me all over the world to compete.
Pictured: The former member of the GB bobsleigh team has praised Jersey's local sports acumen.
For a little island only nine by five, Jersey really does do extremely well. The island has produced some legends over the years including Matt Banahan and Serena Guthrie, but more importantly, it’s so great to see the young talent continue to filter through. Producing a fully professional rugby team, Team Jets Netball, Jersey Bulls and so many more top-class sportsmen and women is genuinely quite remarkable when you think about it.
There are only a handful of places in the world where you can get Directors, Investors, Chairmen, Senior Management and Advisors all around the same table quickly to discuss a new business venture, idea or concern. With at least one of those attending probably coming off the beach or having to be quick to pop off for some other activity, it’s quite unique.
Jersey facilitates this so well from those with the ideas to those with the means to expand and nurture these ideas into fruition. Added to this, ‘sandboxing’ ideas as a proof of concept really works well in Jersey. Our event ticketing platform was tested on the Jersey events and charity market and really gained traction overnight - this gave us the confidence to head to the UK and take the initial lessons learnt to immediately give ourselves an advantage there.
As my time is split between Jersey and the UK, I begin to really appreciate the beauty Jersey has. From the beaches and cliff walks to golf courses and water sports it really is a magical place, with so much of it available within a 20-minute drive. Some of the caves and coastal adventures you can explore are remarkable.
As much as we joke about 'the Jersey way' and I appreciate how infuriating it can be at times, Jersey wouldn't be Jersey without it.
Pictured: Will thinks there's an up-side to the 'Jersey Way'.
Be it waving at every person in the street, thanking people for letting you cross a zebra crossing or just knowing that it might take a week longer is ok. Jersey gets things done at its own pace, but gets things done extremely well and I wouldn’t change it for anything.
My own family are all based in Jersey and so that of course is one big element of why I love the island and loved growing up here. Jersey in itself is one big family.
Pictured: "Jersey in itself is one big family".
The community spirit is remarkable and evidenced by all those who turn out to watch all the sporting, theatrical and community events the island regularly showcases (present months not so much). The generosity shown to the charities and good causes within the island is proof of this.
