Ben Sandford

Ben Sandford is a retired New Zealand skeleton racer who competed from 2002 to 2014. He was born on March 12, 1979, in Rotorua, New Zealand. Sandford is notable for his achievements in the sport of skeleton racing, as well as his contributions to the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF).

Early Life and Education

Ben Sandford was born and raised in Rotorua, a city known for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. He attended local schools before pursuing higher education. Sandford later graduated with a degree in law from Victoria University of Wellington.

Skeleton Racing Career

Sandford began his skeleton racing career in 2002. Over the course of his career, he competed in multiple FIBT World Championships and Winter Olympic Games.

World Championships

Sandford's most notable achievement came at the 2012 FIBT World Championships in Lake Placid, New York, where he won a bronze medal. This made him the second New Zealander to win a medal at the World Championships in skeleton racing, following in the footsteps of his cousin, Bruce Sandford, who won gold in 1992.

Winter Olympics

Sandford represented New Zealand in three Winter Olympic Games: 2006, 2010, and 2014. His best Olympic result was 11th place, achieved at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada.

Post-Racing Career

After retiring from competitive skeleton racing in 2014, Sandford continued to contribute to the sport. He was elected to the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) Athletes' Advisory Committee and later served as the chair of the committee. In this role, he worked to represent the interests of athletes and improve the governance of the sport.

Personal Life

Ben Sandford is also a practicing lawyer. He has been involved in various legal roles and has contributed to the development of sports law in New Zealand. Sandford is an advocate for athlete rights and has been active in promoting clean sport and fair competition.

See Also

• Skeleton (sport)
• International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation
• Winter Olympic Games
• FIBT World Championships
• Bruce Sandford