KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Winter Olympic dream is alive and thriving, and national leaders are the first to celebrate the island’s historic achievement.
Following the qualification of Jamaica’s bobsleigh teams for the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Games, Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) President Christopher Samuda and Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange praised the athletes for their perseverance, commitment, and groundbreaking accomplishments.
“This is another remarkable milestone in Jamaica’s sports history,” Minister Grange said. “Our bobsleigh teams continue to impress on the international stage. Their qualification for the Olympics is not just about participation; it demonstrates that Jamaica’s winter athletes are genuine contenders, especially after their outstanding performance in Canada.”
Samuda highlights dedication, legacy, and future ambitions
JOA President Samuda echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the teams’ dedication and the broader legacy they are building for the nation.
“Commitment, hard work, and talent are the true measurements of success, and our bobsled team embodies all three,” Samuda said. “Now they have an opportunity to exemplify these attributes in Milano. Yet again, the call has been answered emphatically, and the drive must now be to break the ice and reach the podium, where history will be created and a new chapter written.”
He also highlighted Jamaica’s younger athletes, such as skier Henri Rivers, one of the triplets who qualified last year, as part of the next generation of winter sports pioneers. “We may be on ice, but the goal is to create a heatwave, and in our parlance, it is to become ‘hot pon di ice.’ The JOA continues to be inspired by our ambassadors, history makers, and trailblazers,” he added.
Jamaica’s teams ready for Milano-Cortina
Jamaica will be represented at the Winter Olympics by at least three bobsleigh teams:
- Two-man team: Nimroy Turgott, Joel Fearon, and Junior Harris
- Four-man team: Andrae Dacres, Junior Harris, Tyquendo Tracey, and Joel Fearon
- Women’s monobob: Mica Moore
The two-woman team is ranked as the first alternate and may compete if another country withdraws.
The teams’ recent performance at the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation’s North American Cup in Canada, where they defeated the hosts to win Jamaica’s first gold medal at an international bobsleigh competition, has raised expectations for February’s Games.
Moore’s historic representation adds dimension
Minister Grange and Samuda both praised Mica Moore, the Newport-born athlete who recently acquired Jamaican citizenship and will compete in the women’s monobob event. Moore’s journey—from representing Great Britain at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics to returning after a three-year hiatus to race for her heritage, was highlighted as a testament to resilience and national pride.
“Her story, combined with the success of our men’s teams, demonstrates the depth of talent and commitment Jamaica brings to winter sports,” Minister Grange noted.
Eyes on the podium
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games run from February 6–22 in northern Italy. With their qualification secured, Jamaica’s athletes are now focused on turning hard work and ambition into podium success. For Minister Grange and President Samuda, the journey itself is a cause for national celebration, symbolizing perseverance, heritage, and a growing legacy in winter sports.
