A brand representative opens your profile between meetings. They see competition clips and a few podium photos, but cannot quickly work out where you compete, who follows you or what a partnership would involve. Your media kit should answer those questions in one place.
Start with a one-page document you can update yourself. You can expand it when there is a reason to, but a useful first version needs clear information more than elaborate design. The outline below is an editorial starting point, not a requirement shared by every sponsor.
Introduce the athlete behind the results
Write two or three sentences covering your name, location, academy, competition focus and next concrete goal. Explain unfamiliar achievements. A division name or qualification means little to someone outside grappling unless you add context.
For example: “I’m [name], a [gi/no-gi] competitor based in [city], training at [academy]. I’m preparing for [event] in [month], while sharing my journey with [audience].” Replace every placeholder with something accurate. Keep ambitions separate from achievements you have already earned.
Include proof someone can check
Choose three relevant results rather than a wall of medals. For each, list the event, date, division and placing. Add a link to the official result where available. Include one strong portrait or competition image that you have permission to use, with any required photographer credit.
Next, summarise your audience. Name the platforms and the date you collected the numbers. Show follower count alongside recent reach or engagement where you have access to that information. State the period measured and keep paid activity separate from organic activity. If a useful number is unavailable, leave it out rather than guessing.
Show what a partnership could look like
Offer one or two specific ideas: a documented competition journey, an appearance at a relevant local event or a short series featuring equipment you actually use. Explain what you can deliver, on which channel and over what period. Do not include commitments you cannot fit around training or existing agreements.
Finish with an email address, your social links and the support you are seeking. “Support towards travel to [event]” gives a conversation more direction than “looking for sponsors.” You do not need to publish sensitive personal information or every financial detail.
Our take: make the next conversation easier
A media kit does not have to prove you are already a star. It should help a potential partner understand your position today and ask a useful next question. Honest context gives them more to work with than an impressive-looking collection of unexplained numbers.
- Draft the first page. Use four headings: athlete, results, audience and partnership.
- Check every claim. Open your result links, date your audience figures and confirm image permissions.
- Test it with a fresh reader. Ask someone unfamiliar with your career what you compete in and what support you want.
- Make it easy to maintain. Keep an editable original, export a shareable copy and update it after your next event.
This week: finish a version you could comfortably send to one relevant brand. Improve the document through actual conversations, rather than waiting for a perfect portfolio.