They’re baaa-aaack: The Jamaican Bobsled Team 

Jamaica’s historic debut in Olympic bobsled competition came in 1988 in Calgary, Canada.

Their huge success was in winning hearts around the globe. They suffered a horrible crash but walked with their sled to the finish line while the crowd cheered them on.  The 1993 movie Cool Runnings is based on their story. 

This month in Beijing, China, the Olympic 4-man bobsled competition will include a team from Jamaica. It’s the first time in 24 years that Jamaica has had a team in this event. The country also has teams in two additional bobsled events. Not bad for a Caribbean island nation that basically never has any snow.  

There are so many lessons we can learn by studying and hearing from these dedicated Jamaican athletes.

In fact, Devon Harris, from that original 1988 team, wrote a book called Keep on Pushing: Hot Lessons from Cool Runnings.   He also presented his perspectives at TEDxJamaica in January 2014 and TEDxWilmington in April 2021 .   

A favorite bit of wisdom I appreciate from him is about creating an upward spiral.

To do so, he encourages us to believe in ourselves and persist. “The more you believe in your abilities, the more you persist. The more you persist, the more you believe in yourself.” 

Part of me wants to go the expected route right now and continue to drive home points about being courageous, resilient, and resourceful. Another part of me, however, is about to take over and steer this piece in a different direction. 

How are you doing right now? Really. How are you doing? Are you exhausted? Burned out? Need a break?

If so, you are not alone. These past couple of grueling years have taken their toll in many ways. It’s OK to admit your ambition and persistence are not at an all time high. It’s OK to say that what you need more than anything right now is some rest or some plain old fun. 

So, my two related recommendations are to pull away from work regularly to have fun…and also to put as much fun as possible into work.

Here’s a clip this year’s Jamaican 4-man bobsled team shared of themselves dancing. And this video includes Queen Elizabeth laughing as Shanwayne Stephens, this year’s team pilot, explains to her how they train by pushing a car down the street.  

Leaders worth following understand the value of bringing a bit of levity into their own work and the work of those they lead.  

The 4-man bobsled competition begins February 19th. Go, Jamaica!  

Written by: Sandy Tush, Partner – Milestone Leadership