The Jamaican bobsled team was able to raise over $120,000 for the Winter Olympics through an online crowdfunding campaign. The money, most of which was donated by complete strangers, has been used to cover equipment and travel costs. Unfortunately, the equipment is of no use if it isn’t in Russia with the team.
Two-man bobsled team pilot Winston Watts told USA Today on Wednesday that the team’s equipment, including runners, shoes and other gear, has not yet made it to Sochi.
“We didn’t have nothing — no equipment at all,” Watts explained. “There’s nothing I can do right now. I’m just going to leave it to the chef de mission to deal with it. I just want to concentrate on the track.”
Watts had hoped to get a couple of unofficial practice runs in on Wednesday so the team can familiarize itself with the track. He said he is hoping the equipment will arrive Thursday at the latest. In the meantime, Watts said other nations have offered to lend a hand.
“We have a lot guys who’s going to help us,” he said, noting that the team may borrow runners and other equipment. “They want to help us.
“We’re the most lovingest people in the world. Every moment is positive. We always keep the guys smiling. That’s our motto.”
Judging by some of the disturbing images we have already seen from Sochi, lost luggage is just one of a number of issues Olympic athletes have been dealing with.
