SRG/Spotify Recording Artist Edisun Donates Track "Ready to Believe" to Support Speed Skater Kelly Gunther's Olympic Dream
Norwalk, CT (PRWEB) January 16, 2014 -- U.S. Olympic speed skater Kelly Gunther is ready to believe.
“Ready to Believe” is the title of her recently released promotional video named for the same titled song by Norwalk, CT-based alternative rock group Edisun. Inspired by the "feel good" message of the lyric, the 26-year-old speed skater contacted lead vocalist Ethan Isaac to ask his permission to use the song, which is heard throughout.
The video details an accident she suffered on the ice four years ago and her miraculous comeback story. Edisun proudly donated the song to Lorain, OH-native Gunther, whom the band met while touring in the U.S. The video was released in an effort to raise money for Gunther’s mother to travel with her to Russia for the Olympic games.
Gunther had not been expected to skate again after the accident, which occurred at the Utah Olympic Oval and resulted in a serious double-compound fracture of the ankle. Almost losing her foot entirely, she endured surgery and extensive rehabilitation at the Olympic Training Facility in Colorado Springs, CO, and reemerged strong to make the World Cup team in 2011.
"Edisun's song really inspired me to train and work harder than ever. I want to tell my story — to show other people they should never give up," said Gunther. "Always be 'ready to believe' in your dream."
Edisun lead singer Ethan Isaac, Madison, WI-born singer/songwriter, wrote the song after touring 20 countries for Armed Forces Entertainment, including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. They were featured in a special edition of ABC’s World News Tonight. Their story was covered by Rolling Stone Magazine, and the Wall Street Journal.
"These experiences taught me about die-hard dedication, never quitting, conquering every obstacle," said Isaac. "Ready to Believe is a song about believing in yourself and never giving up."
It was this level of hard work and determination that paid off for Gunther, who off the ice is a student at Salt Lake Community College, when she won the fourth and spot on the Ladies 1000m team that will compete for the United States in Sochi. A tweet from U.S. Speed Skating: "Kelly Gunther wins the Ladies 1000m with a 1:17:12 - the same time she got on Sunday! Welcome to the Olympics, Kelly!"
"For our song to be such an inspiration to an athlete as courageous as Kelly Gunther is a real honor," said Isaac.
This is not the first time “Ready to Believe” has attracted attention from the athletic community. The song is a favorite of Dan Patrick, who is hosting the Olympic games for NBC in Sochi. He has featured the song and interviewed the band on his nationally syndicated sports radio/television show. ESPN has also used the song in several spots for the U.S. Open Tennis Championships, Wimbledon Tennis Championships, and the UEFA 2011 Soccer Championship.
Edisun broke the Top 40 on Billboard Active Rock with the band’s self-titled debut record on EMI in 2011, produced by C. Villani. That album features “Ready To Believe,” written by Isaac, and guitarist Joel Kelly of Potsdam, NY.They are currently recording their second album with fellow band members Todd Budich of South Salem, NY on drums and Mike Russo of New Haven, CT on bass, for Sono Recording Group with exclusive distribution by Spotify
Matt Strickler, Sono Recording Group, http://sonorecordinggroup.com, +1 203-939-9439, [email protected]
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