Former Sheffield Hallam student set for Winter Olympics debut with Jamaica bobsleigh team this weekend

Ashley Watson, who completed his master’s degree in physiotherapy in December, is set to represent the Caribbean island in Beijing as part of a four-man bobsleigh team, conjuring memories of the iconic film Cool Runnings.

It will be the first time Jamaica has fielded a four-man team in 24 years.

The four-man bobsleigh event begins on Saturday, with the medals decided the last day of competition at the Games this Sunday.

Peterborough-born Ashley, aged 28, said: “It’s a great honour to be able to represent Jamaica and hopefully inspire the next generation of Jamaican bobsleigh athletes. It’s a childhood dream come true.

"It has taken consistent training for 10 years, and I want to show that no matter who you are or where you come from, if you have a dream and you believe, it will happen.

"If you’re ready to sacrifice lots to get there it will happen - life has no limits.”

The Jamaican bobsleigh team became world famous as a result of their exploits in the 1988 games in Calgary, with Cool Runnings loosely based around their story.

Since qualifying, Ashley and his team-mates have been the subject of media interest from around the world.

He has targeted making history this weekend.

Speaking last month, he told The Star: "I don’t want to go to the Olympics just to be there. I would love a top-10 finish. I definitely want to be in the best Jamaican team in the history of bobsleigh.”