Joel Fearon’s athletic journey reads like a Hollywood script – from delivering pizzas between Diamond League races to becoming an Olympic medalist who now represents Jamaica in bobsled at age 37.
The Coventry-born athlete made headlines in 2016 when he blazed through the 100 meters in 9.96 seconds at the England Athletics Championships in Bedford, becoming only the fifth British man to break the 10-second barrier on home soil. The achievement was bittersweet, however, as it came after the qualification deadline for the Rio Olympics.
From Track Star to Bobsled Pioneer
Eight years later, Fearon finds himself preparing for his third Winter Olympics, this time wearing Jamaica’s colors after coming out of retirement in 2023. His unconventional path to winter sports began out of financial necessity when his athletics coach suggested bobsled trials as a way to support his family.
The transition proved challenging initially. Fearon recalls the demanding physical requirements and harsh training conditions, describing the sport as requiring mechanical skills alongside athletic prowess. Despite the difficulties, he persevered through what he called the ‘rough days’ that ultimately shaped his future success.
A Unique Olympic Legacy
Fearon’s bobsled career spans 15 years and three different nations – Great Britain, Switzerland, and now Jamaica. His bronze medal from the 2014 Sochi Olympics came with an unusual twist, only being officially awarded five years later following retrospective doping violations by other competitors.
During his time competing for Switzerland, Fearon worked with junior driver Timo Rohner, helping develop the athlete who now competes alongside him at Milan-Cortina 2026. This mentoring relationship exemplifies Fearon’s evolution from competitor to leader within the sport.
Overcoming Personal Tragedy
The athlete’s journey took a devastating turn in 2023 when his sister Natasha Morais was murdered. The tragedy initially led Fearon to retire from all sports as he struggled with anxiety and fear of leaving his family alone. His return to competition with Jamaica’s bobsled team has provided both personal healing and renewed purpose.
Fearon’s connection to Jamaica runs deep through his father’s heritage and maternal grandparents’ Caribbean roots. His father’s pride in seeing his son represent Jamaica has been particularly meaningful, marking the first time Fearon has seen his father truly excited about sport.
Building Jamaica’s Winter Sports Future
The crossover between sprinting and bobsled continues to strengthen Jamaica’s winter sports program. Fellow British-turned-Jamaican athlete Mica Moore joins Fearon on the team, while other track and field stars like Montell Douglas have blazed similar trails for Great Britain.
Fearon’s role has expanded beyond just pushing the sled – he’s become a mentor figure for younger teammates, describing his relationship with them as brotherly. His perfect record of six wins in six races since joining the team has earned him recognition as a valuable asset both on and off the track.
Cool Runnings Legacy
The connection to the beloved 1993 film ‘Cool Runnings’ isn’t lost on Fearon, who watched the movie as a child never imagining he’d one day be part of the story it depicted. He embraces the team’s global recognition, viewing it as motivation to honor Jamaica’s flag on the international stage.
As Fearon prepares for Milan-Cortina 2026, his journey from pizza delivery driver to Olympic medalist to Disney character inspiration represents the unpredictable nature of athletic careers and the power of perseverance through life’s unexpected turns.
Photo by Xingye Jiang on Unsplash
Photo by Lou Brassard on Unsplash
Photo by Eugene Chystiakov on Unsplash
