Dr Nelson Christian Stokes, chairman of the Jamaica Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (JBSF), is to be nominated for a vice-president post at the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) at their next elections to be held in July at the IBSF Annual Congress in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The board of directors of the JBSF made the announcement on Wednesday in a statement that said in part, that Stokes “had recused himself from board deliberations on the nomination”

The release added that Deputy Chairman Dave Smith said: “Chris has distinguished himself in his representation for this sport. He has proven to be diplomatic and fair in his deliberations on matters relating to the continuance and development of this sport and we know that he will do us proud.”

Stokes is a four-time Olympian, including being brakeman on the legendary ‘Cool Runnings’ 1988 team, and side pusher on the 1994 team that finished 14th in the Lillehammer Olympics.

Author of the book Cool Runnings and Beyond – The Story of the Jamaica Bobsleigh Team, he is widely regarded as the driving force behind the Jamaica bobsleigh and skeleton programme and brand.

In expressing appreciation to the directors, Stokes was quoted to have said: “I recognise the tremendous challenges facing the sport of bobsleigh and skeleton, but there is a way forward based on opportunity in crisis, sustainability, respect for athletes, good governance, transparency, fairness, equity, and equality that are not nuisances but are, in fact, the very foundation on which the future of the sport must be built. I believe I can make a meaningful and exceptional contribution to the next IBSF Executive Committee and by extension, to the sport of bobsleigh and skeleton globally.”

—Paul A Reid