Bobsledder Fenlator-Victorian poised for Olympic quota spot
Published:Saturday | January 8, 2022 | 10:38 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
After an impressive third-place finish at the end of the North American Cup season, Jamaican bobsledder Jazmine Fenlator-Victorian is poised to receive qualification for the two-woman bobsleigh event at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics in February.
Fenlator-Victorian, who accumulated 766 points over the season, is ranked 24 overall on the International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) ranking list, which determines qualifiers for the Games.
Her position is expected to secure one of 20 National Olympic Committee (NOC) quota spots when the final rankings and qualifiers are confirmed on January 16.
The two-time Olympian, who has Audra Segree as her brakeman, thinks they can do something special in Beijing.
“My aim at the Olympics is the same it has been my previous two appearances. To stand at the top of the hill confident in the work I put in to get there.
CREATING HISTORIC MOMENTS
Trusting the process and representing my nation, culture and self to the best of my abilities,” she said.
“I always want to do my best. I know my team and I can create another historical moment for Jamaica and Caribbean and black athletes within winter sports.
“We have the opportunity to break barriers for the near and far future. We can truly do something special in Beijing together “ she stated.
She admitted that her achievement came under very trying circumstances after losing a sister recently, combined with her struggles to balance her sport and entrepreneur careers.
However, the World Cup silver and bronze medalist said she does not surrender to challenges.
As a matter of fact, the 36-year-old has developed a positive approach from her experiences and now has a competitive mindset.
“My bobsled career has never fallen short of challenges. This season had its own unique challenges. Navigating the sport and travelling during the pandemic, running my own business, the death of my sister, being an older athlete returning to bobsledding after three years, and not to mention equipment and financial hardships as a team.
“But, if it was easy, everyone would be doing it. I’ve learned a lot from my life experiences, and this season I chose to really prioritise a mindset to carry me through,” she said.
“This journey to the Olympic Games has challenged me in some incredible ways but also has taught me so much where I feel like a caterpillar turned into a butterfly, going through an evolution that has had the biggest impact on my life now and the trajectory going forward,” she commented.
She added that competing for consecutive days took a mental and physical toll on the team, but that it was worth it.
“We are navigating uncharted territory with the current pandemic. There are procedures in place but also so much unknown that it is hard to truly plan for every variable we may face.
“But, even with these concerns, I’ll do my best to focus on what I can control and how I react and adapt.
“This will be my third Olympics when I qualify, and each one has its own priceless moments. But I think this one will have a bit of edge on the others,” she added.