LOGAN Hospital radiographer Jermayne Takapautolo is on track to represent Australia at the 2026 Winter Olympics – less than one year after learning what a bobsleigh is.
It’s a surprising sport for a man from sunny Queensland, but a story told before – the classic underdog tale that feels straight out of Cool Runnings, a 1994 movie where a warm-weather bobsleigh team from Jamaica chases a winter dream against all odds.
Less than 12 months in, Mr Takapautolo is already training with the world’s best in Canada and preparing for Olympic trials.
If all goes well, he might join fellow Logan export and speed skater Steven Bradbury in Australia’s hall of unlikely Winter Olympic heroes.
“I only discovered bobsleigh less than a year ago when I saw an ad for open tryouts,” Mr Takapautolo said.
“I thought, why not give it a go, and within months I was competing at the World Championships.”
Mr Takapautolo and his Australian teammates are busy training for the international qualifiers. But with no ice facilities here, that means traveling overseas to Canada and the United States to practise on specialist ice tracks.
When he’s not hurtling down these icy tracks at speeds of 160km/h, Mr Takapautolo works in medical imaging at the local hospital, where he has been for more than three years.
There, he provides diagnostic imaging for patients in emergency care, surgeries and everyday health needs.
“Radiography is something I love – it’s hands-on, it makes a real difference in people’s lives,” he said.
“The support I’ve had from my colleagues has been incredible, especially as I take on this unexpected sporting journey.”
Bobsleigh is one of the most dangerous and expensive winter sports. Mr Takapautolo said it “demands everything” from competitors.
“Your time, money, and commitment,” he said.
“But it also gives back so much. The team has become family, and the dream of representing Australia keeps us pushing through.”
The Australian team narrowly missed out on qualifying for the last Winter Olympics, but Mr Takapautolo and his teammates are determined to change that when qualification races begin in November.
These will take place across Whistler, Canada, and Park City and Lake Placid in the US.
If successful, Mr Takapautolo will represent Australia at the Winter Games in Italy in February next year.
The self-funded Australian team is looking for sponsorship and support to help fund their journey – including costs of travel, equipment, and training.
Those interested in pitching in can do so via the Australian Sports Foundation.
asf.org.au/campaigns/jermayne-takapautolo/jermaynes-olympic-journey.
