First-Ever Jamaican Bobsled Team: It Was Even Crazier Than ‘Cool Runnings’ | TODAY

[@Skinny_Popeye]

“A gold medal is a wonderful thing, but if you're not enough without it, you'll never be enough with it.”

[@MarcLloydZ]

You quoted it but who said it

[@Skinny_Popeye]

@@MarcLloydZ The great Irv Blitzer..

[@baggergurl16]

It was said by John Candy in the movie. A great quote that I think can be applied to anything in life.

[@jrockMW311]

Great quot

[@bagofchips8813]

that's Candy to my ears.

[@JoeFanik]

Feel the rhythm Feel the rhyme Get on up It's bobsled time COOL RUNNINGS!

[@noc1891]

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

[@JiTiAr35]

Talluuuuuulah......hahaha😂😂😂😂...sounds lika two dalla hooka....

[@ciroxmen]

Sanka you dead

[@scifisamurai7794]

@@ciroxmen ya man

[@BrendonakaShanks]

Better than a gold medal.

[@jonmorgan2804]

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.

[@SkepticalChris]

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!

[@jenniferhiemstra5228]

But like../is there footage of this?? I NEED IT

[@TBustah]

“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).

[@SkepticalChris]

@@TBustah 1992 were not held in Canada. They were in Albertville France.

[@TBustah]

@@SkepticalChris I didn’t say anything about Canada. The team went to France.

[@sliat1981]

They were different from the team in 1988. The originals were all retired by then

[@rockerseven]

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!

[@esther151]

"SAUNKA, You dead, man?" "Ya mon"

[@Valhalla2]

“Well you can pee now” “Uh too late”

[@annmariebusu9924]

esther ma is a common question to ask someone when they get hurt😅

[@travisbrewer5391]

Sanka, you dead? Yeah, mon.

[@rangerryz1490]

Kiss my lucky egg mon

[@mo9204]

The only thing I remember from that movie

[@wadedixon6780]

“If the Swiss saw a pretty girl, they’d probably yell eins, zwei, drei and push her down some ice” 😂

[@mrjoshuaburger]

one of my favorite movie lines of all time!

[@CollectorDuck]

I found this video because I was looking for that exact quote in a video.

[@hellowhatsup9668]

@Adam K dude its many not manny

[@SwissTanuki]

Eis, zwei, drüü!

[@alexislane7175]

Yesssss whahahahahahahaha

[@aminahisra4410]

I'm from jamaica and it's the first time I ever saw real footage of the bobsleigh team. Wow so inspiring

[@gazpachopolice7211]

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!

[@elisejackson2854]

Same

[@AlexRN]

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.

[@jamesvankirk8535]

What was the coverage of the sport in Jamaica during the '88 Games? Huge national story or afterthought?

[@besgordon]

@@jamesvankirk8535 it was a huge coverage and we were amazed and excited by our team 🇯🇲 🇯🇲 🇯🇲

[@ArcaneAzmadi]

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.

[@VanillaEarth744]

Thank God they survived ☝️🙏✝️😇

[@FryngeMinority]

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.”

[@noc1891]

"what you smoking?" "im not smoking im breathing.."

[@kellieevetts2637]

I was a volunteer for the 88 Games. These guys were amazing to watch!

[@lisagrace6471]

That is so amazing! What a special experience! :)

[@TheTrailburner]

"Did you have a sled when you got there?" All 3: "No" Almost choked on my drink

[@joshuatheademan3882]

.... why?

[@falcon3268]

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.

[@jorgemarquez655]

I laughed so hard my soda came out my nose

[@SlayerofFiction]

@@falcon3268 If you can find something please tag me. I did a quick search and only came up with what we already know.

[@patriciafitch2432]

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.

[@jmissle]

Will always be a Jamaican bobsled team nothing but respect for these fellas

[@besgordon]

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.

[@KennethMoreland]

"You don't see the Swiss Team smiling neither."

[@safertobeanonymous2224]

I’ve never seen a Swiss person smile!! 🤔

[@SwissTanuki]

@@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

[@danielbrown7115]

@@SwissTanuki Ha ha ha ha. Great sense of humor. Love it.

[@demainmyhlem5930]

@@SwissTanuki geils profilbild brüeder

[@alexanderpytko5394]

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.

[@greyarea3804]

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

[@johnw2026]

🎵"some people say you know they can't believe, Jamaica we have a Bobsled team!" 🎶

[@Thor-Orion]

I sing that song all the time. I’m an American but there’s one sport I don’t root for America in; Bobsledding!

[@johnw2026]

@@Thor-Orion why do you not root for us in bobsledding?

[@Thor-Orion]

@@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.

[@glenfrog814]

Feel the rhythm feel the ride cool running

[@donnya.oryankingdonny230]

Get On Up, It's Bobsled Time

[@nutfar4413]

Ryan Donegan it’s feel the rhythm feel the rhyme let’s go Jamaica it’s bobsled time

[@glenfrog814]

nuttfarr. 20 years older since I saw this great movie my memory has depleted lol.

[@donnya.oryankingdonny230]

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!"

[@glenfrog814]

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..

[@AmalKAudio]

I watched the movie and it was great!

[@stephenwyatt88]

Movie got me all choked up, lol.

[@ok-fc3ix]

I wached the movie to

[@kneebarx]

Just now u watched it? I watched when i was 10 yrs old

[@AmalKAudio]

I watched in in August of 2017

[@QueueHayden]

Just watched the movie again tonight. Still very cool. I hope to see it again.

[@gigicassel1804]

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

[@ckendall67]

"Coach, I can't get my helmet on" *WHAM* "Thanks Coach!" ;-)

[@Narxes081206]

"that's what I'm here for" 😂

[@begood4786]

LOVE that part! Lol

[@trinamcswain6356]

I just got through watching this movie, I love it so much. They go to show you that dreams really do come true

[@electrogaming1731]

Kiss my lucky egg

[@adamromero]

I aint kissin' no egg

[@atmosphere_0004]

SANKA YOU DEAD

[@vooandrewoov]

bRiNg BaCk BiGgIe AnD tUpAc D yeah mon

[@Mr_expert_gameplay]

If someone gives you eggs makes them omelet.

[@BostonHorticulture]

Ill never forget that moment. Im so Grateful you are all Alive. Calgary misses you, come back!!

[@blackfauns]

The 29 ppl who disliked r the Swiss

[@JoeFanik]

The Swiss respected the Jamaicans after the race

[@Anno_Nymouse]

I guess it's the guys from draft room who missed their chance after watching the bobsled presentation.

[@ColinRichardson]

73 Swiss people now in Feb 2021

[@maxsjoberg788]

Having Jamaicans in this sport makes no sense they cannot practice in their own country LMAO.

[@ColinRichardson]

@@maxsjoberg788 should the UK pull out of the winter Olympics too? We have no snow either.

[@ThePaoGuerra]

I hope Jamaica will win a medal for this. All of the world is rooting for you, mon! #coolrunnings

[@talkslikeaduck1]

Such an incredible story to this day! This is the Olympic spirit we all need!

[@PatrickWagz]

Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme. Get on up, it's bobsled time!

[@reginaperdomo9164]

Cool running!

[@JuJuBabyWorld]

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!!! 👏🏽

[@xwhogafx815]

Absolutely fantastic respect from USA 🇺🇸 love yall Jamaica 🇯🇲

[@elvinn9434]

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.

[@jenaaespaulding3426]

@ racist

[@fabioalvesshow]

That movie always make me cry

[@paulahlstrom3873]

Love it! Nice job Devon, Michael & Chris. Great interview! Go team Jamaica.

[@default5790]

And now they’ve qualified again! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@WilliSchwartz]

A lot of respect for Jamaica. Glad to know that all the athletes are still around.

[@pauliether.c.guy.3349]

These guys did the impossible which moved me to tears.One cannot help but be proud for them

[@jdr13junior]

Inspiring story, big up big up your self guys "as we say in Jamaica".Nice interview the today show.

[@AshMundo]

I love all the great stories of jamaica! Makes me want to go and live there!

[@TheHairyHound]

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❗❗❗

[@commonsense31]

Seriously Cool runnings has had the most important impact on my life! It has made me think everything is possible!

[@alanadawnew2172]

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!! 💗💗💗

[@gaius_enceladus]

Gooooo Jamaica! Cheers from New Zealand!

[@pixelpawzgaming]

Hats 🎩 off to 1st generation and future generations of the Jamaican bobsled team. Loved the film too, stellar ✨classic 🍿

[@Swededude74]

Just WONDERFUL! ❤

[@ceesparxxx]

RIP John Candy. Cool Runnings has been and always will be 1 of my favorite movies of all time.

[@Mo-iv8ot]

John Candy is my whole childhood movie experience absolute legend and missed.

[@samplautz5586]

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

[@TheWriterNW]

These guys are truly an inspiration!

[@scottscott232]

Excellent. Love it. Go Jamaica. Yeahhhh.

[@jennfontan188]

Wow, these men are true heros!!!!

[@Nonplused]

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.

[@michellekadir9972]

I watched the film last night. Still cry when they crash & then walk to the finish line.

[@dwaynedibley997]

But they didn’t even carry the sled over the line in real life?

[@Lawnie08]

The movie is loosely based on the real life events. Just like any other sports movie.

[@danielmims8467]

They seem super cool and funny . I love that story . Everyone wanted them to win .

[@rizzorizzo2311]

That man was John Candy, god rest his soul.

[@kaloriinn]

got to see these gentlemen bobsled when I was 5

[@howardpower]

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.

[@cygil1]

Disney lied. There was nothing wrong with the sled, they just lost control due to inexperience.

[@willm3027]

Saw the movie as a kid and knowing that it was based on a true story is inspiring!

[@nancydrew1882]

These guys are legendary!!!🥰🥰🥰

[@seanwoodyatt7342]

I love watching the film cool runnings and think that the real Jamaican bobsled team done was inspirational. I hope Jamaica continues with the bobsledding and hopefully win some gold. Keep up the fantastic work guys and I hope you continue to inspire people into getting into sports.

[@brianbaxter3913]

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

[@michellegiordano8277]

One of my favorite all time stories proves you don't have to win to be a hero!

[@debbiecozortakalonghornmom1862]

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

[@dianepancel-pierce4478]

SO inspiring!

[@bigdog6175]

Feel the rhythm feel the breeze we are jamaican bobsled team coooooool runnings!

[@virtuouswoman9714]

Big Up 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲👍

[@randomcosplaydudesimpressi8509]

3:46 ouch my neck hurts just by watching that shot.

[@maureenseel118]

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."

[@davemac9087]

Great inspirational story that everybody must see.

[@victornewman06]

Who's cutting onions in here?

[@gregpitick4534]

I am. But only very strong manly onions you understand. ;-)

[@PulaskiDancePro]

The movie and this interview gets me every time. So inspirational and lessons I share with my dance students.

[@BoundInChains]

😭😭😭

[@Fidelis1776]

Not me... I did that when I watch the film years ago

[@TiLoRaine]

How can anyone dislike this?

[@stacylarge5636]

I'm still watching and always will...

[@ecopennylife]

One of my favourite movies - such a great story 😍

[@susygonzalez1334]

2023 !!! Awesome story 👏 ❤ I still watch the movie with my family from time to time. ❤

[@andybroer651]

Routing for Jamaica! in 2022!

[@DennisThompsonjr-g5t]

Revolutionary Jamaicans. Awesome

[@englishwithquincy]

Hey TODAY!! Thanks! I use some of your vids in my English classes 😁👍🏻 Awesome materials! They get everyone actively involved in discussions 👏👏

[@Supreme-gu1jz]

Feel the rhythm, feel the ride, get on up its bobsled time! Cool runnings!

[@AxelWerner]

The Jamaican bobsleigh team actually WON !!! ... all our hearts

[@TyMarshall007]

one word to name them Legends

[@jimstone6071]

Mr John Candy made great movies...🇺🇸

[@megan-leedevilliers1349]

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 !!!

[@KLEShore]

I loved that movie!! These guys are even better.

[@queensaharaice7376]

Amazing Nations. Jamaica, Haiti, South Africa, Philippines, Vietnam, Nigeria, Afghanistan, India, Puerto Rico, Mexico... so many awesome people with dreams.

[@keishonbabyboy]

QueenSahara Eyes " Africa and Nigeria" they are the same thing North America Washington DC, South America Argentina, Asia China. country and continent

[@keishonbabyboy]

QueenSahara Eyes I totally miss " " south" my apologies

[@CeaSeMusic1]

Just out of interest, why did you mention those countries in particular?

[@LeBreadman]

*I SEE PRIDE, I SEE POWER! I SEE A BADASS MOTHER, WHO WON"T TAKE A CRAP OUT OF NOBODY!*

[@robbyantonius2418]

Do you see all that?

[@devilcity5827]

Great efforts from my Jamaican brothers.

[@Joyparc]

I pray mi brethren win a 🥇 gold medal. Love from 🇬🇾

[@imjelo]

I remember the Jamaican bobsled team. I was in California back then watching the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. They, Eddy the Eagle, and Japanese ice skater were the under dog favourites. Other favourites were Katerina Witt of East Germany.

[@davidmcfarlane9185]

Proud 🇯🇲

[@akioutsunomiya4343]

wow great stuff 1988 remember that day it is like just yesterday wow./

[@RR-jx7tr]

I truly loved this story

[@jrchalice9281]

Bro why am I crying 🥺🥺🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@domainmojo2162]

4:01 Wow... look at that kit! Sooo cool!

[@stenbak88]

Dylan is so gorgeous and brilliant, she is the only reason I still tune in after the Matt fiasco

[@JSchroederee]

Not sure why KZbin recommended this but really was nice to see a fun uplifting story this morning

[@kalel311superman9]

this is the fist time i see an interview of the real jamaican bobsled team, i liked the movie

[@hehe344]

Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme, get on up, it's bobsled timeeeeee

[@greyarea3804]

A great story about a great team from a wonderful country. I did not manage to make it to the venue but I was in Calgary during that Olympic event. The whole city was abuzz

[@thatguysemperfi171]

What a powerfull story!

[@JKevz1]

i just rewatched cool runnings again tonight, I cried. "Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme! Get on up, its bobsled time! Cool Runnings!"

[@Alleycatthegadite]

More power to you guys.