SOCHI, Russia, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- As of Wednesday the Jamaican bobsled team had not received all of their equipment in Sochi after it was delayed in transit from New York – it’s there now.
The team’s missing runners (blades for the sled), bobsled shoes and other gear arrived at Sochi International Airport late on Wednesday night.
Jamaica Bobsled Team luggage and equipment arrives ! Practice at 7am Sochi Time #CoolRunnings pic.twitter.com/qrOiscLBPW
— Jamaica Bobsled (@JamaicaBobsled) February 5, 2014
Early Thursday, the team took to the track for two practice runs.
Related
"The first run was a little bit shaky, but when you go on a new track that's how you feel," said Jamaican pilot Winston Watts. "You're going to feel butterflies, but you have to overcome that."
As it turns out, the team was missing a lot more than bobsled equipment.
"We got our clothes, but it was full of protein powder. (Security) opened the protein powder containers, and never closed the tins," Watts said. "The containers were sealed. And they left them open. In my helmet today I had protein powder going into my eyes."
Jamaica Bobsleigh Team driver Winston Watt at Sochi International Airport #Sochi2014 #CoolRunnings pic.twitter.com/pFM50rKYO0
— Jamaica Bobsled (@JamaicaBobsled) February 5, 2014
The Jamaican bobsledders first competed in the Olympics in 1988. This is the sixth time that the team will be competing.
"There's no such word to explain how I felt being here," Watts said. "The atmosphere, the fans, the friends, you the media, it's pretty exciting. … Every moment is positive. We always keep the guys smiling. That's our motto."
Jamaica Bobsled Team in Practice at #Sochi2014 , Round 1 #CoolRunnings pic.twitter.com/ThMx2IMSi6
— Jamaica Bobsled (@JamaicaBobsled) February 6, 2014
[USA TODAY]