Jamaica's New Bobsled Pilot: A Fisherman's Journey to Olympic Ice
On a day that would have been ideal for fishing in Jamaica, with bright sunshine and temperatures in the low-to-mid 80s, Shane Pitter found himself on frozen water instead. The 26-year-old fisherman, known for his viral fishing videos, is now at the forefront of Jamaica's bobsled team, competing at the Milan Cortina Games and striving to shift the narrative beyond the beloved 'Cool Runnings' movie.
From Fishing Nets to Bobsled Tracks
Pitter's transition from fisherman to bobsled pilot is a remarkable story of unexpected talent discovery. While his "real job" involves spear fishing, which he credits for building upper-body strength crucial for bobsled pushes, his natural aptitude on the ice has propelled him into the spotlight. This season, he earned 10 medals on the North American Cup circuit, including eight golds at Lake Placid, New York, showcasing his potential as what Jamaica bobsled federation president Chris Stokes calls "the best young pilot we've had."
Olympic Challenges and Funding Hurdles
Jamaica's bobsled history spans nine Olympics since their debut at Calgary in 1988, yet the team has never finished better than 14th. At Cortina, Pitter and brakeman Junior Harris placed 23rd out of 26 sleds in the initial heats of the two-man race. Funding remains a significant obstacle, as highlighted by former British bobsledder Mica Moore, who spent over £40,000 to fund her Olympic season due to lack of support. Moore notes, "It's a very expensive sport," but praises Pitter's dedication, saying he "just loves driving bobsleds" and is fully invested in the sport.
Beyond 'Cool Runnings': A New Identity
While the 'Cool Runnings' legacy endures, with fans often approaching athletes like Harris to discuss the film, the team embraces this history while seeking new recognition. Harris explains, "It's OK for them coming up to me and asking about 'Cool Runnings'... I'm going to always be there to talk to them." However, Pitter aims to make Jamaica bobsledding celebrated for contemporary achievements rather than cinematic fiction. He asserts, "The movie is somewhat fiction, but this is real, real life. We are the real team."
Celebrity Support and Future Aspirations
The team has garnered attention from figures like Snoop Dogg, who spent time with them during the games as an Olympic ambassador. Pitter recounts, "Junior cooked for Snoop Dogg and Snoop loved his cooking... He ate the jerk chicken straight down to the bone." Looking ahead, Pitter plans to resume fishing and video-making post-season, hoping his Olympic experience boosts his following. His focus, however, remains on bobsled, with eyes set on the 2030 Olympics, as he and his teammates continue to write Jamaica's next chapter in winter sports.
