T&T join Jamaica for bobsleigh Olympic charge

KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC):

With just two days until the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics, the icy chutes of the bobsleigh track are set to receive an unprecedented wave of Caribbean heat.

For the first time in Olympic history, two tropical nations, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, will compete in the premier four-man bobsleigh event.

The historic qualification, confirmed by the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation, sees the two island nations bringing their speed and spirit to a sport defined by gravity-defying velocity.

For Jamaica, the sled will be piloted by Shane Pitter, with crew members Andrae Dacres, Junior Harris, Tyquendo Tracey, and Joel Fearon sharing duties.

Global excitement has surged around the teams, fuelled in large part by the enduring legacy of the beloved 1993 film Cool Runnings.

The Disney movie, loosely based on Jamaica’s dramatic and crash-marred debut at the 1988 Calgary Games, created a lasting underdog narrative. Now, reports from Japan, the United Kingdom, and beyond are tracking the Caribbean athletes’ final preparations.

Jamaica’s bobsleigh programme has achieved its most robust Olympic presence ever. Beyond the historic four-man entry, the nation has qualified in three of the four bobsleigh events, Mica Moore in the women’s mono-bob and the men’s two-man team featuring Shane Pitter’s crew — Nimroy Turgott, Joel Fearon, and Junior Harris.

They will not be alone in representing the region. Trinidad and Tobago, marking its own landmark appearance, has also qualified a men’s two-man sled.

Pilot Axel Brown will lead their contingent, which includes athletes Shakeel John, De Aundre John, Xaverri Williams, and Micah Moore across the two-man and four-man events.