First-Ever Jamaican Bobsled Team: It Was Even Crazier Than ‘Cool Runnings’ | TODAY
Continuing a special Olympic edition of our series “Where Are They Now?” Dylan Dreyer looks back at the unlikely but true story of the first-ever Jamaican bobsled team, who qualified for the 1988 Winter Games in Calgary against all odds, and catches up with three of the team’s original members, who are still involved with the sport.
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First-Ever Jamaican Bobsled Team: It Was Even Crazier Than ‘Cool Runnings’ | TODAY
“A gold medal is a wonderful thing, but if you're not enough without it, you'll never be enough with it.”
You quoted it but who said it
@@MarcLloydZ The great Irv Blitzer..
It was said by John Candy in the movie. A great quote that I think can be applied to anything in life.
Great quot
that's Candy to my ears.
Feel the rhythm Feel the rhyme Get on up It's bobsled time COOL RUNNINGS!
loved that part in the movie when he was singing a version of that to raise money and a homeless man gave him a dollar to shut up lol
Talluuuuuulah......hahaha😂😂😂😂...sounds lika two dalla hooka....
Sanka you dead
@@ciroxmen ya man
Better than a gold medal.
“If the Swiss saw a pretty girl, they’d probably yell eins, zwei, drei and push her down some ice” 😂
one of my favorite movie lines of all time!
I found this video because I was looking for that exact quote in a video.
@Adam K dude its many not manny
Eis, zwei, drüü!
Yesssss whahahahahahahaha
Bobsledding is one of the most difficult sports in the world. They showed up with 3 dudes, got 1 more dude and taught him in three days, qualified and raced in an Olympics - just mind boggling.
Moves me to tears, every time I hear about the Jamaican Bobsled team. When they returned to Canada, for a second time in Vancouver 2010, the crowd gave them a massive roaring greeting, worthy of true Olympic Champions that they are!
But like../is there footage of this?? I NEED IT
“A second time”? Their second time was in 1992, just as they said at the end of the film, and they’ve competed several times since (albeit, mostly in the two-man event).
@@TBustah 1992 were not held in Canada. They were in Albertville France.
@@SkepticalChris I didn’t say anything about Canada. The team went to France.
They were different from the team in 1988. The originals were all retired by then
"SAUNKA, You dead, man?" "Ya mon"
“Well you can pee now” “Uh too late”
esther ma is a common question to ask someone when they get hurt😅
Sanka, you dead? Yeah, mon.
Kiss my lucky egg mon
The only thing I remember from that movie
I'm from jamaica and it's the first time I ever saw real footage of the bobsleigh team. Wow so inspiring
Mad respect for the Jamaicans. The sheer audacity of ambition! I'm from India. We have the whole bloody Himalayas and we do not have a bobsled team!
Same
If you saw the movie then this wasn’t your first time. The movie uses some real footage of the Jamaican bobsleigh runs, including the crash you see in the movie it mostly uses the real crash seen on tv.
What was the coverage of the sport in Jamaica during the '88 Games? Huge national story or afterthought?
@@jamesvankirk8535 it was a huge coverage and we were amazed and excited by our team 🇯🇲 🇯🇲 🇯🇲
It was a classic movie. They actually used the real footage from the real team's original runs (parts of it at least) during the film- including the crash. It was scary, but amazing that the guys all walked away from it alive.
Thank God they survived ☝️🙏✝️😇
The movie REALLY helped the popularity of the team. Generally on US broadcasts of the bobsled events, they generally only seem to show the top 6-8 teams, but they always make sure to show the Jamaican run, no matter where they place. I love that!
I was a volunteer for the 88 Games. These guys were amazing to watch!
That is so amazing! What a special experience! :)
"Did you have a sled when you got there?" All 3: "No" Almost choked on my drink
.... why?
If I remember correctly they were lent a backup sled by the USA team and the team wasn't met with animosity but were actually welcomed as equals by everyone.
I laughed so hard my soda came out my nose
@@falcon3268 If you can find something please tag me. I did a quick search and only came up with what we already know.
The team had a two-man sled which they competed in and won against 3 or 4 teams in the Calgary Olympics. The team did not train in the 4-man. After successfully finishing the two man runs, the team wanted to stay and compete in the 4 man...no they didn't have a 4 many sleigh.
I’m from Calgary and I love the scene where they take off from this hot, tropical place and land in the snow and ice. “Welcome to Calgary. Temperature: -25.”
"what you smoking?" "im not smoking im breathing.."
"You don't see the Swiss Team smiling neither."
I’ve never seen a Swiss person smile!! 🤔
@@safertobeanonymous2224 we smile all the time... but it's a more discreet smile. Like a non smile but from the heart...ok we don't smile
@@SwissTanuki Ha ha ha ha. Great sense of humor. Love it.
@@SwissTanuki geils profilbild brüeder
Will always be a Jamaican bobsled team nothing but respect for these fellas
🎵"some people say you know they can't believe, Jamaica we have a Bobsled team!" 🎶
I sing that song all the time. I’m an American but there’s one sport I don’t root for America in; Bobsledding!
@@Thor-Orion why do you not root for us in bobsledding?
@@johnw2026 I do, but the team I root for to win gold is Jamaica. It’s just a neat story. And every olympics I read the profiles of the guys on their team. They’re always some really down to earth guys. Obviously I still root for America to do well, and if Jamaica doesn’t win I want us to.
"Coach, I can't get my helmet on" *WHAM* "Thanks Coach!" ;-)
"that's what I'm here for" 😂
LOVE that part! Lol
The 29 ppl who disliked r the Swiss
The Swiss respected the Jamaicans after the race
I guess it's the guys from draft room who missed their chance after watching the bobsled presentation.
73 Swiss people now in Feb 2021
Having Jamaicans in this sport makes no sense they cannot practice in their own country LMAO.
@@maxsjoberg788 should the UK pull out of the winter Olympics too? We have no snow either.
RIP John Candy. Cool Runnings has been and always will be 1 of my favorite movies of all time.
John Candy is my whole childhood movie experience absolute legend and missed.
Feel the rhythm feel the ride cool running
Get On Up, It's Bobsled Time
Ryan Donegan it’s feel the rhythm feel the rhyme let’s go Jamaica it’s bobsled time
nuttfarr. 20 years older since I saw this great movie my memory has depleted lol.
Kipper De La Vega I have Cool Runnings on VHS and I remember the whole thing. Feel the rhythm, Feel the rhyme, Get On Up, It's Bobsled Time! Cool Runnings!"
Ryan Donegan.. VHS that's badass nothing better than going back to the old school days i wish i had a vcr to watch some of the vsh tapes i have..
Kiss my lucky egg
I aint kissin' no egg
SANKA YOU DEAD
bRiNg BaCk BiGgIe AnD tUpAc D yeah mon
If someone gives you eggs makes them omelet.
I get goosebumps every time anything about our bobsled teams comes up. All our athletes are amazing, but our bobsled team just always touch a special place in my heart because we have no snow, but their persistent attitude and their tenacity just blows me away. ❤❤❤💚🖤💛 Jamaica 🇯🇲 to the world...every time.
What these guys do is quite admirable. Qualifying for a bobsled from a country that doesn't have suitable bobsled weather. It's true Jamaica has not yet won a medal or even made it into the top 8 but each time they compete in the winter olympics they get a little closer. They're getting better, slowly but they're getting better.
Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme. Get on up, it's bobsled time!
Cool running!
As I am watching this video I find I have the largest smile on my face. I was in Calgary for the Olympics. I was living there at the time. These guys became my heroes. I have now retired and live in Jamaica. The movie was wonderful but these guys were real
I watched the movie and it was great!
Movie got me all choked up, lol.
I wached the movie to
Just now u watched it? I watched when i was 10 yrs old
I watched in in August of 2017
Just watched the movie again tonight. Still very cool. I hope to see it again.
This was such an inspiration for everyone. Jamaica with no no snow or sled but was able to compete at a high level. Jamaica little but we talla-wah. 😉 love the positive vibes from YARD! !!!
No it wasn't it was a pointless bit of fluff.
@ racist
I ended up watching Cool Runnings, instantly googled and it lead me here. ☺️😊 That’s sooooo cool! I hope they really get the medal they deserve. Even if they don’t, they definitely made their mark in history!!! 👏🏽
The very meaning of an Olympian. Not only to compete but to show pride in yourself and pride in your country. No matter what the outcome may be in the end
And now they’ve qualified again! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Inspiring story, big up big up your self guys "as we say in Jamaica".Nice interview the today show.
That man was John Candy, god rest his soul.
I just got through watching this movie, I love it so much. They go to show you that dreams really do come true
Love it! Nice job Devon, Michael & Chris. Great interview! Go team Jamaica.
Seriously Cool runnings has had the most important impact on my life! It has made me think everything is possible!
I hope Jamaica will win a medal for this. All of the world is rooting for you, mon! #coolrunnings
A lot of respect for Jamaica. Glad to know that all the athletes are still around.
Ill never forget that moment. Im so Grateful you are all Alive. Calgary misses you, come back!!
Gooooo Jamaica! Cheers from New Zealand!
If 4 people who have never seen snow can qualify for an event they’ve never participated in, I think we can do a lot more than we think
Remember going to the cinema to see the film when it was released. Enjoyed it so much that I just had to have the DVD which still, even in 2020, I watch often. Love the film, love the story and love you guys/team interview GO JAMAICA❗❗❗
Big Up 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲👍
I watched the film last night. Still cry when they crash & then walk to the finish line.
But they didn’t even carry the sled over the line in real life?
Hats 🎩 off to 1st generation and future generations of the Jamaican bobsled team. Loved the film too, stellar ✨classic 🍿
That movie always make me cry
Just WONDERFUL! ❤
I’ll bet if it wasn’t for the old rickety sled, the Jamaican would’ve medaled. If the movie was as accurate as real life events of what actually happened, it was truly an inspiring story for the ages. Makes you proud of what humanity can accomplish and the heart they have to overcome odds and the impossible. We need that these days more than ever. Those guys are definitely heroes. And what defines heroes? It’s people that makes a positive difference in other people’s lives. The Jamaican bobsled team did just that.
Disney lied. There was nothing wrong with the sled, they just lost control due to inexperience.
got to see these gentlemen bobsled when I was 5
These guys did the impossible which moved me to tears.One cannot help but be proud for them
Routing for Jamaica! in 2022!
I love this movie and I love Jamaica, had to go on my honeymoon and see all the film spots for Cool Runnings.. Also the people are so amazi g and loving and happy and the food, and beaches.. Just WOW all around!! 💗💗💗
Wow, these men are true heros!!!!
I love all the great stories of jamaica! Makes me want to go and live there!
SO inspiring!
These guys are legendary!!!🥰🥰🥰
Excellent. Love it. Go Jamaica. Yeahhhh.
2023 !!! Awesome story 👏 ❤ I still watch the movie with my family from time to time. ❤
The team wasn't comprised of athletes, though. They were recruited out of the army. Most athletes in Jamaica had the same reaction as they did in the movie. "WTF-no. That's a truck load of no."
Mr John Candy made great movies...🇺🇸
Great inspirational story that everybody must see.
Back in February 2013 my son and I went on a cruise that he had won from his work and it was to Jamaica and Grand Cayman Island 🏝 so when we docked in Ocho Rios we went up the top of a mountain on a seated lift so on top u see this museum of there Cultural items and There was the BOBSLED TEAM IN A HUGE PICTURE AND THERE STORY it was COOL RUNNING information there to about the movie. Also there were All these Athletes who were from Jamaica 🇯🇲 in an Glass case who were GREATEST ATHLETES and one stood out to us was SONJIA RICHARDS ROSS who was a Track Star at our UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS COLLEGE we r SOOO proud to call her a TEXAS LONGHORN along with her husband the GREAT AARON ROSS from the football team they meet at the school. It was so awesome to see that this was based off of a TRUE STORY OF THE JAMAICA 🇯🇲 BOBSLED TEAM WAS BORN. Had SOOO much fun there want to Go Back. I just thought I would share this story. IT WAS AWESOME 😎❤️🇯🇲💖👍🧡🧡🧡🤘🤘🤘🥇🏃🏿♀️U Go Girl Much Love from the State of TEXAS
One of my favourite movies - such a great story 😍
Amazing Nations. Jamaica, Haiti, South Africa, Philippines, Vietnam, Nigeria, Afghanistan, India, Puerto Rico, Mexico... so many awesome people with dreams.
QueenSahara Eyes " Africa and Nigeria" they are the same thing North America Washington DC, South America Argentina, Asia China. country and continent
QueenSahara Eyes I totally miss " " south" my apologies
Just out of interest, why did you mention those countries in particular?
Team work and determination. Congratulations 🎊.
They seem super cool and funny . I love that story . Everyone wanted them to win .
Proud 🇯🇲
Hard to believe it was 32 years ago now. The Jamaicans and Eddie the Eagle definitely spiced things up and brought in the TV viewers. And whew, what a party it was. They closed down the University and moved everyone out of residence to host athletes so we had a 2 week February party.
Respect 🇯🇲
This is awesome!
Hey TODAY!! Thanks! I use some of your vids in my English classes 😁👍🏻 Awesome materials! They get everyone actively involved in discussions 👏👏
Feel the rhythm feel the breeze we are jamaican bobsled team coooooool runnings!
This story is awesome and the movie was awesome. Good on them for doing what people did not think they could do. Good luck to them in the future
I loved that movie!! These guys are even better.
I pray mi brethren win a 🥇 gold medal. Love from 🇬🇾
Bro why am I crying 🥺🥺🇯🇲🇯🇲
wow great stuff 1988 remember that day it is like just yesterday wow./
I truly loved this story
What a powerfull story!
Great efforts from my Jamaican brothers.
This is awsome go Jamaica 👍👍👍
One of my favorite all time stories proves you don't have to win to be a hero!
These guys are truly an inspiration!
I love the spirit in this
Legends
Respect
Just plain awesome.
Saw the movie as a kid and knowing that it was based on a true story is inspiring!
How can anyone dislike this?
I'm still watching and always will...
one word to name them Legends
Awesome, thx 4 news. ❤🍀🤟👌🇯🇲
Who's cutting onions in here?
I am. But only very strong manly onions you understand. ;-)
The movie and this interview gets me every time. So inspirational and lessons I share with my dance students.
😭😭😭
Not me... I did that when I watch the film years ago
Way to go!!
the legends:)
*I SEE PRIDE, I SEE POWER! I SEE A BADASS MOTHER, WHO WON"T TAKE A CRAP OUT OF NOBODY!*
Do you see all that?
My utmost respect to them
Feel the rhythm, feel the ride, get on up its bobsled time! Cool runnings!
Like crying here lol !!! Inspirational beyond all words - all I can say is I really home Jamaica win a Medal in the future, but anyone who tries is already a Legend in opinion !!!
Respect!
I love that movie!
We will triumph......we are the best when we put our minds to anything