Thu | Dec 19, 2024

Jamaica returns to four-man bobsled at Winter Olympics

Published:Monday | January 17, 2022 | 12:54 PMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
Jamaica's four-man bobsled team of Shanwayne Stephens, Rolando Reid, Ashley Watson, and Matthew Wepke in action.
Jamaica's four-man bobsled team of Shanwayne Stephens, Rolando Reid, Ashley Watson, and Matthew Wepke in action.

For the first time in 24 years, Jamaica will compete in the four-man bobsled event at the Winter Olympics.

Jamaica secured the final spot in the 28-team field for next month's Games in Beijing based on their international results this season.

Shanwayne Stephens along with Rolando Reid, Ashley Watson and Matthew Wekpe have competed in the qualifying events this season which included a top-five finish in the North American Cup

The last time that Jamaica participated in the four-man bobsled at the Games was in Calgary 1988, comprising of Nelson "Chris" Stokes (now Jamaica Bobsled and Skeleton Federation president), Dudley Stokes, Devon Harris and Michael White when the country made their Winter Olympic debut. Their journey inspired the 1993 film, 'Cool Runnings'.

Additionally, Jamaica will compete in three bobsled disciplines at the games for the first time after qualifying for the two-man and the woman's monobob. The 2022 Winter Olympics is scheduled to begin on February 4.

daniel.wheeler@gleanerjm.com