The Jamaican Bobsled Team & Trinidad and Tobago’s Olympic Journey
The spirit of the Winter Olympics isn’t just about seasoned champions and powerhouse nations; it’s also about the inspiring stories of underdogs who defy expectations. This year, the focus extends beyond the legendary Jamaican bobsled team to include the remarkable achievement of Trinidad and Tobago’s bobsleigh team. Their recent performance in Cortina d’Ampezzo is a testament to dedication, perseverance, and the power of dreams.
Trinidad and Tobago’s ‘Mission Accomplished’
Trinidad and Tobago’s bobsleigh team declared ‘mission accomplished’ after finishing 25th out of 26 in the Olympic two-man event. Harrogate-born Axel Brown, who previously represented Team GB for seven years, spearheaded the team alongside brakeman De Aundre John. Their goal, set in January, was simply to avoid finishing last – a target they successfully achieved, finishing ahead of Israel with a total time of 2:51:05.
“It’s absolutely mission accomplished,” Brown shared with BBC Sport. “Me and Dre [John] have been able to do something special together. For little Trinidad and Tobago to do that with no state funding is huge. To beat another nation at the top of their game as well, that feels like a win – it is a win.”
Looking Ahead: The Four-Man Event
While they didn’t advance to the final heat after finishing outside the top 20, despite a personal best in the third heat, Brown and John are already setting their sights on the four-man event. This represents another opportunity to showcase their skills and represent their nation on the world stage.
A German Domination
The two-man bobsleigh podium was swept by Germany, with Johannes Lochner and Georg Fleischhauer taking gold, Francesco Friedrich and Alexander Schuller securing silver, and Adam Ammour and Alexander Schaller claiming bronze. However, the focus for many remains on the inspiring journeys of teams like Trinidad and Tobago.
From American Football to Olympic Dreams
Brown’s path to the Olympics is as unique as the team’s story. A former American Football player and taekwondo medallist, he took up bobsleigh at 21 and switched allegiance from Great Britain with the ambition of revitalizing the bobsleigh program in Trinidad and Tobago. The Caribbean nation previously competed in three consecutive Winter Games (1994-2002), but Brown’s leadership marked their first return in 20 years at the Beijing 2022 Olympics, where they finished 28th out of 30.
Qualifying for Italy: A New Challenge
Qualifying for the Games in Italy presented an even greater challenge, requiring qualification for both the two and four-man events – a feat they successfully accomplished for the first time. “It was very special to stand at the top of the track with Dre,” Brown reflected. “I had my dad on the start line with me and my coach Lee Johnston, who has been the cornerstone of this team and helped us make a team out of a bunch of misfits.”
The Enduring Legacy of the Jamaican Bobsled Team
Of course, no discussion of bobsledding and the Olympics is complete without acknowledging the pioneering spirit of the Jamaican bobsled team. Their story, popularized by the film *Cool Runnings*, continues to inspire athletes and fans worldwide. While their recent performance hasn’t garnered the same headlines, their legacy of courage and determination remains a powerful symbol of the Olympic spirit.
The Winter Olympics are a celebration of athletic excellence, but they are also a platform for stories of resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of dreams. The journeys of both the Jamaican and Trinidad and Tobago bobsled teams remind us that the true victory lies not just in winning medals, but in overcoming obstacles and representing your nation with pride.
Stay updated with the Winter Olympics:
- Full schedule including times of medal events
- Winter Olympics 2026 medal table
- Watch live streams and highlights on BBC iPlayer (UK only)
