Yes, Cool Runnings (1993) is based on the true story of the first Jamaican bobsled team to compete in the Winter Olympics in 1988.
What is the true story behind the movie Cool Runnings (1993)?
The movie Cool Runnings is loosely based on the true story of Jamaica’s first bobsled team and their journey to the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada. In real life, the Jamaican bobsled team was actually formed by four Jamaican sprinters who failed to qualify for the 1988 Summer Olympics. They were inspired by the success of other unlikely athletes at the Olympics and decided to try their hands at bobsledding.
Despite facing racial discrimination and skepticism from the international bobsled community, the Jamaican team managed to qualify for the games and competed in the four-man event. While they did not win a medal, they won the hearts of fans around the world for their perseverance and determination.
The film takes some liberties with the true story, including adding a fictional coach and changing some of the specifics of the team’s journey. However, it remains a beloved classic for its uplifting message of hope, perseverance, and teamwork.
Are there any books about the true story behind the movie Cool Runnings (1993)?
Yes, there are a few books that discuss the true story behind the movie Cool Runnings:
- Cool Runnings and Beyond: The Story of the Jamaica Bobsleigh Team by Devon Harris
- Yes, Jamaica Can!: The Story of the Bobsleigh Team That Found Olympic Glory by Richard Askwith
- Frozen Focus: A Film about Jamaica’s Bobsleigh Team and the Making of Cool Runnings by Rob Harris
These books provide insights into the real-life experiences of the Jamaican bobsled team that inspired the beloved film, Cool Runnings. They discuss the struggles the team faced, including the financial and logistical difficulties of training and traveling to the Olympics, as well as the racism they encountered in the sport of bobsledding.
You can try an audible free trial and search for audiobook versions of those