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Meet the 2022 team — the athletes proudly carrying the hopes of an entire nation
Shanwayne Stephens: From RAF to Bobsled Pilot
Stephens, a Jamaican-British athlete, joined the RAF at 19. While serving in the military, he somehow found time to train—and eventually became Jamaica’s top bobsled pilot. It was his leadership and razor-sharp precision that played a crucial role in securing their spot.
Women’s Monobob: Jazmine Fenlator-Victorian’s Trailblazing Journey
In 2015, U.S.-Jamaican athlete Fenlator-Victorian made the bold move to represent Jamaica, helping launch the nation’s first women’s bobsled team at the 2018 Olympics. Now in 2022, she’s going solo in the monobob — a newly added event aimed at promoting gender equality in the sport.
Benjamin Alexander: Jamaica’s First Alpine Skier
Former DJ Benjamin Alexander is set to make history as the first-ever Jamaican to compete in the giant slalom. With just six years of skiing experience, his story mirrors the bobsled team’s ethos: “If you can dream it, you can do it.”
The “Cool Runnings” Effect – How a Movie Shaped a Generation
From Box Office to Cultural Phenomenon
Cool Runnings earned $154 million worldwide, cementing Jamaica’s bobsledders as beloved global icons. While critics noted inaccuracies (e.g., the team never qualified for the four-man event in reality), the film’s themes of perseverance resonated.
Legacy of Sam Clayton Jr. and Honoring the Past
The 2022 Olympics are the first since the passing of Sam Clayton Jr., a proud member of Jamaica’s original 1988 bobsled team. His passing in 2020 adds emotional weight to Jamaica’s return.
Challenges Ahead – Competing in a COVID-Era Olympics
China’s strict zero-COVID policy led to canceled ticket sales and a “closed-loop” system for athletes. For Jamaica, already battling funding gaps, limited fan support is another hurdle. Yet, Stephens remains unfazed: “We’re used to overcoming obstacles. This is just another chapter.”
