From Track Star to Olympic Bobsledder: An Instagram Message Changes Everything
Jadin O'Brien, a standout track and field athlete from Notre Dame, initially dismissed an Instagram direct message as a potential scam. The message, inviting her to try out for bobsled, seemed far-fetched, especially since the Milan Cortina Olympics and winter sports were not on her radar. However, when the same sender reached out again months later, O'Brien's curiosity was piqued, leading to a life-altering decision.
A Whirlwind Transition to Winter Sports
After replying to the message, O'Brien embarked on a 12.5-hour drive from Notre Dame to Lake Placid, New York, in mid-August of last year. There, she tried bobsled for the first time and quickly impressed coaches with her pushing abilities. Now, she is set to compete as a push athlete for Olympic monobob gold medalist Elana Meyers Taylor in the two-woman competition at Cortina, marking a remarkable rookie journey with only two career races under her belt.
"It has really been a roller-coaster of events," O'Brien reflected. "Everything's happened so fast, but I've been conditioned to handle new things very quickly and perform despite a lack of experience. It's been a whirlwind, and I'm incredibly grateful."
Overcoming Adversity: From PANDAS to Olympic Dreams
O'Brien's path to the Olympics has been fraught with challenges. At age 5, she developed severe anxiety and was later diagnosed with Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS), a rare syndrome that disrupted her childhood. By age 10, she began to recover, demonstrating resilience that would define her athletic career.
Her college track success included three national indoor pentathlon championships and multiple All-American honors, but injuries and setbacks, such as torn muscles and food poisoning, tested her resolve. In bobsled, she faced a harrowing crash in St. Moritz in January, where a sled malfunction left her and Meyers Taylor injured. Despite back pain, O'Brien raced four days later, showcasing her determination.
Securing a Spot on the Olympic Team
The U.S. bobsled selection process was intense, with O'Brien competing against two other push athletes for one spot. In a Munich hotel conference room, coach Chris Fogt announced the pairings, revealing O'Brien would join Meyers Taylor. "My mouth dropped," O'Brien recalled, stunned by the news that she, a summer sports hopeful, was headed to the Winter Olympics.
Meyers Taylor praised the opportunity bobsled offers: "It's one of those traditionally American stories where you can come from nowhere and make an Olympic team. That's not true in a lot of sports."
Looking Ahead: Balancing Track and Bobsled
Regardless of the outcome in Cortina, O'Brien plans to return to track while continuing in bobsled. Her journey from answering an Instagram DM to Olympic competition in just six months has been unexpected and transformative. "We have a job to do," she said, emphasizing focus over excitement. "Once we accomplish what we came here to do, it'll sink in more."
This story highlights the unpredictable nature of athletic careers and the power of seizing opportunities, even when they arrive via social media.
