Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, had high praise for the history-making Jamaican Bobsleigh team that continued to defy logic by winning gold at the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation’s North American Cup on Sunday in Canada.

“Again, we have all the reasons in the world to big up our sporting prowess with the Jamaica Bobsleigh team winning a historic gold medal in the four-man team category at the North American Cup,” said Grange. 

The quartet of Tyquendo Tracey, Shane Pitter, Andrae Dacres and Junior Harris beat Canada to win gold in 1:45:88 seconds and earned the small island in the sun its first gold in an event competed for on ice.

“We are so proud of Jamaica’s historic Bobsleigh gold medal. Our Bobsledders, who from the beginning caused excitement when they entered the sport, have consistently given a good account of themselves, and now with a gold medal performance following a bronze medal at the same competition,” Grange pointed out.

“Kudos to President Chris Stokes for his unwavering leadership and guidance of our Bobsledders, who continue to rise and to inspire. A truly proud moment for Jamaica. Congratulations, champions,” she concluded.

In 1988, Jamaica stunned the world by entering a bobsleigh team at the Winter Olympics, and although they failed to make an impact, they charmed audiences, which was enough to inspire the making of the film Cool Runnings. 

The team has struggled over the years to be competitive, but qualified for the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games.