Yeah man! Jamaican bobsleigh qualifies for Sochi

[raven mad]

31. Wonderful news! That's a hell of an accomplishment!

This is a team I'll keep my eye on! "Cool Runnings" indeed..........

About 5 years ago, a terrific kid from Jamaica competed in the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race. It's 1000 miles of very, very tough terrain and extremely cold temperatures, run each February, alternating between Fairbanks and Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. It's considered to be a much more difficult race, mentally and physically, than the Iditarod.

The musher, Newton Marshall, was not only a huge hit with race fans, out of 29 mushers, many with years more experience, he finished 13th! He also won the Challenge of the North award:

Challenge of the North Award - Newton Marshall
Newton Marshall received a polished caribou antler carving enhanced with ink rendering of ravens (donated by New Horizons Gallery) as the musher who most exemplifies the Spirit of the Yukon Quest; a spirit that compels one to challenge themselves and persevere in spite of all odds against them. This award is sponsored by Denali State Bank and selected by Race Officials.

http://www.yukonquest.com/race-central/yukon-quest-1000-mile/past-results/final-standings/?year=2009

The race in general is explained on Wiki, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yukon_Quest

Don't ever let 'em tell you a Jamaican "can't", cuz they'll make sure they DO. Newton has a Facebook page and is on YouTube, and I got to shake hands with him at the final party after all the teams were in, as a volunteer. Super guy, and as I said, everyone loved his guts, coming from all that tropical warmth into the icy Northland in February.

I wish the bobsledders the very best of luck, and if you don't win, remember Newton - he's also run the Iditarod!!