Akenke Oliver, a student from Regina, Saskatchewan, is set to make history as the first woman to represent Trinidad and Tobago in the sport of bobsledding at the upcoming Bobsleigh and Skeleton European Championship.
This 26-year-old athlete has a rich background in international sports, having previously competed in gymnastics, track, and netball. However, her venture into bobsled racing marks her first foray into winter sports, and she will be hurtling down the icy track at speeds of approximately 120 kilometers per hour.
Oliver is participating in the female monobob event, which requires her to pilot the bobsled alone. Despite her limited experience with bobsledding, she approaches this challenge with enthusiasm and determination. She departs for Igls, Austria, where she will undergo an intensive one-week crash course in bobsled racing before the competition commences in Sigulda, Latvia, on February 2.
Her excitement
Expressing her excitement, Oliver emphasized her desire to make her home country proud and provide a platform for showcasing the talents of Trinidad and Tobago. She mentioned her love for adrenaline and how she thrives on challenges, making her confident about tackling the demanding sport of bobsledding.
Oliver’s journey to this historic moment began when she was selected for the Trinidad and Tobago bobsled team in June of the previous year. Her participation in this competition carries the weight of responsibility, as she aspires to inspire and encourage more women from warm-weather countries to participate in winter sports, following the path blazed by Jamaica’s famous bobsled team, which gained international recognition after competing in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary.
Trinidad and Tobago’s entry into winter sports is part of a growing trend among countries with warmer climates, demonstrating that success in winter sports is not limited to regions with cold weather. Akenke Oliver’s journey is a testament to the expanding opportunities for athletes from diverse backgrounds to excel in sports traditionally associated with colder climates.
Seeks out adrenaline
“I’m just really nervous about making my country proud and putting us on the map and giving us that opportunity to really showcase all the incredible talents we have in Trinidad and Tobago,” Oliver said.
“I’m really a person who seeks out adrenaline and really strives on it, so I’m not nervous at all to really head down the track.
“It’s also a tremendous responsibility as well to really pave the way for future female athletes in winter sports,” she added.
