Jamaica's Bobsleigh Team Aims for Olympic Glory with New Talent
Jamaica's bobsleigh team is setting its sights on Olympic success, with rising star Shane Pitter at the helm for the upcoming Milano-Cortina Winter Games. Chris Stokes, president of the Jamaica Bobsleigh Federation and a member of the iconic 1988 team that inspired the film Cool Runnings, has described Pitter as "the most talented young pilot I've ever seen". This endorsement highlights the team's renewed ambition to transition from inspirational underdogs to genuine medal contenders.
From Cool Runnings to Competitive Contenders
The journey of Jamaican bobsleigh has been nothing short of extraordinary. What began as a novelty in 1988 has evolved into a serious sporting endeavour. Stokes, who unexpectedly competed in Calgary after his brother's team suffered an injury, reflects on the legacy of the Disney film. "It's entertaining, inspirational, and has stood the test of time," he says. While acknowledging its fictional elements, Stokes credits Cool Runnings with opening doors and providing a platform that continues to benefit the federation today.
However, the team is no longer content with mere participation. Under Stokes' leadership since 2017, a strategic shift has occurred. "We want to win," he asserts, moving beyond the narrative of being an inspirational but non-competitive presence. This ambition was formalised in a 10-year strategy aimed at securing a bobsleigh medal by the 2034 Olympics, with the "Back to the Well" programme focusing on harnessing Jamaica's rich athletic talent.
New Faces and Fresh Momentum
The federation's efforts have attracted notable converts from track and field, including former Jamaican 100m champion Tyquendo Tracey and national 200m champion Ashanti Moore. Yet, it's Shane Pitter who stands out as a symbol of this new era. In just three years, he has transitioned from a fisherman to a pilot described as exceptionally gifted. Pitter will drive both the two-man and four-man sleds in Cortina, supported by former British bobsleigh athlete Mica Moore, who will represent Jamaica in the monobob event.
Adding to the team's expertise is Joel Fearon, a 2014 Olympic bronze medallist with Team GB, who has come out of retirement to serve as both a performance coach and a pusher. Fearon notes the team's raw talent and hunger, stating, "The athletes are so talented and hungry, which makes the job much easier." This season has already seen unprecedented success, with eight gold medals in the North American Cup circuit, a clear indicator of their growing prowess.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Respect
Despite these achievements, the team faces significant hurdles. Financial constraints are a constant concern, with the federation relying on private sponsorship and public fundraising rather than support from the Jamaica Olympic Association. Their equipment includes a South Korean cast-off sled from the 2018 Olympics and a former American two-man sled, highlighting the resourcefulness required to compete.
Fearon also points to a lack of respect from some quarters of the bobsleigh community. "Some other teams, staff and officials have been treating us like we're a bit stupid and don't know what's going on," he reveals. This perception has only fueled the team's determination to prove their legitimacy. "We're looking to show people that we're here to stay. It's not just a gimmick," Fearon emphasises.
Realistic Goals and Long-Term Vision
For the immediate future, a top-12 finish at the Milano-Cortina Olympics might be a realistic target, given Pitter's inexperience on European tracks. However, the long-term vision remains ambitious. Stokes draws inspiration from Jamaican athletic history, recalling Usain Bolt's early training on grass tracks before breaking world records. "It's always an error to think that if you have more money things will get better," he argues. "It is far more important to be resourceful than to have resources."
As the team prepares for Cortina, they carry the weight of a beloved cinematic legacy while forging a new path toward Olympic success. With talent, determination, and a refusal to be underestimated, Jamaica's bobsleigh crew is poised to write its own Hollywood ending—one that could very well include a podium finish in the years to come.
