Cool Runnings and Beyond

Book excerpt: Fire on ice. There is no better way to describe the Jamaica Bobsleigh Team. The team started with a spectacular crash and burn at the 1988 Calgary Olympics and grew into triumphant, shining lights in world bobsleigh competition. No longer is the team a novelty--largely comedic--as portrayed in the movie "Cool Runnings. Now the Jamaican Bobsleigh Team is a phenomenon, a true marvel in the sporting world. Journalists, sports historians, and fans all hail its indomitable spirit and crowd-pleasing character. "Cool Runnings and Beyond: The Story of the Jamaica Bobsleigh Team gives you a front-row seat to this incredible world, thanks to author Nelson "Chris" Stokes. His account shows how, once kindled, the flame of the Jamaica Bobsleigh Team refused to sputter. Instead, it flared like its Olympic counterpart. Despite jeers and sneers, these tropical islanders proved they had the fire within them to become medal contenders. Now serving as president of the Jamaica Bobsleigh Federation, Chris Stokes speaks from his,experience as an Olympian and as a member of the world bobsleighing community. He details the personalities of the teammates, the grinding training regimens, and the raw hopes and fears, disasters and determination found behind the familiar media images. Drawing from the dynamic demands of marketing Jamaica Bobsleigh, Chris also provides lessons for fund raising, building a vibrant and visionary business, and seeking personal growth through teamwork.