New push training track attracting athletes to bobsleigh – Thomas

Wayne Thomas, coach of the Jamaica's Bobsleigh team, says the recent instalment of new push training portable track at the GC Foster College will certainly enhance the growth and development of the sport locally.

The sled and track was brought into the island recently by the Jamaica Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation at combined cost of CAD$100,000(J$10.9 million).

Thomas told STAR Sports that this a major boost for the development of the sport because Jamaican athletes will now be better prepared for international competitions.

"I think it is well-needed addition to our training facility because normally we will just be able to do strength and speed work before leaving for overseas to pushing," said Thomas.

"However, now we are able to do pushing in Jamaica and focus on our starts here."

He continued: "It will also enhance our development greatly because normally we would be way behind on start technique, but now we can work on our technique here at home before we get into the race situation."

Sport have grown

The veteran coach pointed out that the level of participation in the sport have grown significantly since the arrival of the sled and track and he is expecting the country to benefit a lot on the international circuit.

"Back in the days, we were one of the top push starting teams in the world but we have fell off but we can get back right up there," Thomas said.

"Everybody is very enthusiastic about it because nobody wants to go to the gym or run again," he said.

"Everybody wants to come and do push training, which is a big plus for us. It will also help us to recruit people and so people can come and get a push on the actual sled and it will spark more interest in the sport also," Thomas said.