Stokes searching for next Bobsleigh star

The Jamaica Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation is in search of its next star as it will host a recruitment drive at the GC Foster College on July 13, starting at 10 a.m.

President of the Federation Chris Stokes said the selection process will include an orientation session and testing events to observe the abilities of the prospective athletes.

"We're looking at the 30m sprint, the 60m sprint, the 30m sled push and the 30m sled pull, which is the opposite," Stokes explained. "We also have a vertical jump and a standing long jump."

The event, Stokes says, will be used as a way to deepen the pool of athletes - male and female - that will be prepared for the qualification process for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games.

The recruitment drive will also be used to target prospective youth athletes to prepare for the 2020 Youth Olympics which are set to take place in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Final selection

Stokes explained that players will be closely assessed where those that are considered will be invited for further training with the final selection process to be made late September.

As a way to garner interest, the Federation will be reaching out to various sporting clubs and high schools to recruit athletes across sporting disciplines such as rugby and track, but insists the door is open to anyone interested in the sport.

"No, we don't have anyone particular in mind. It is completely open. Anyone is welcome to come in," Stokes said. "Rugby athletes tend to do well, but that is not prerequisite. The best brakeman we have ever produced never participated in high school sports."

- Gregory Bryce