Caribbean Spirit on Ice: Jamaica’s Bobsleigh Team Competes in Cortina 2026
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, 21 February 2026 — The roar of the crowd at the Cortina Sliding Centre reached a fever pitch today as one of the most iconic names in winter sports history returned to the Olympic stage. Jamaica, the tropical nation that captured the world’s imagination nearly four decades ago, is officially competing in the four-man bobsleigh event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games.
The Return of the Caribbean Kings
As the Olympic Winter Games enter their final weekend, the spotlight has shifted to the bobsleigh track. Today, Saturday, 21 February, the Jamaican four-man crew took to the ice for their opening heat. Led by pilot Shane Pitter, the team is continuing a legacy that began in 1988 and has since become a symbol of Olympic perseverance.
Earlier this week, Pitter also represented Jamaica in the two-man bobsleigh event. While the podium remains dominated by powerhouses like Germany—with Johannes Lochner securing gold in the two-man event four days ago—the Jamaican presence remains the “heart and soul” of the sliding disciplines for many international fans.
A Legacy Born in Calgary
The story of Jamaican bobsleigh is inextricably linked to the XV Olympic Winter Games in Calgary 1988. It was there that the first team, consisting of Dudley Stokes, Michael White, Devon Harris, and Chris Stokes, defied the odds to compete despite having never seen snow in their home country. Their journey was later immortalised in the film Cool Runnings.
Historical Olympic Participation
Jamaica has maintained a remarkably consistent presence at the Winter Games for a tropical nation. Following their 1988 debut, the team competed in every Winter Olympics until 2002. After a brief hiatus during the Turin 2006 Games, the programme was revitalised, leading to appearances in 2014, 2018 (which saw the debut of the Jamaican women’s team), and 2022.
| Year | Host City | Key Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Calgary | Olympic Debut (Four-man) |
| 2018 | PyeongChang | First Women’s Team Qualification |
| 2026 | Milano Cortina | Shane Pitter leads the 4-man crew |
The 2026 Campaign in Cortina
The 2026 Games have seen Jamaica competing against a highly competitive field. In the four-man heats held today, Shane Pitter’s crew faced off against teams from the Netherlands, South Korea, and Israel. The track in Cortina, known for its technical demands and high speeds, has proven a significant challenge for all athletes.
Technical Progress
Unlike the 1988 team that famously crashed and walked their sled across the finish line, the modern Jamaican squad is a professional outfit. Training primarily in North America and Europe, the athletes have integrated advanced sports science and high-performance coaching to close the gap with European rivals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is the pilot for Jamaica in 2026?
Shane Pitter is the primary pilot for the Jamaican bobsleigh team at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, competing in both the two-man and four-man events.
When did Jamaica first compete in the Winter Olympics?
Jamaica made its Winter Olympic debut at the 1988 Calgary Games in the bobsleigh discipline.
Where are the bobsleigh events being held for the 2026 Games?
The bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton events are being held at the Cortina Sliding Centre in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
Did the Jamaican women’s team qualify for 2026?
While the men’s four-man team has been the focus of the final weekend, Jamaica has continued to develop its women’s programme following their historic qualification for the 2018 PyeongChang Games.