Canadian bobsledder Taylor Austin feeling support from Lethbridge at Beijing Olympics
Global News
Lethbridge's Taylor Austin is set to make his Olympic debut this month, representing Canada on the bobsleigh track after more than a decade of chasing the dream.
Lethbridge’s Taylor Austin is set to make his Olympic debut this month, representing Canada on the bobsleigh track after more than a decade of chasing the dream.
Austin says like many Canadians, the dream was born while watching the 2010 Games in Vancouver.
“A lot of Canadian pride. A lot of Canadian athletes were very successful in those Olympics. I would say that’s when that first inspiration kind of hit me,” he said.
The road to Austin being named to Canada’s Olympic team was as winding as the bobsleigh tracks he navigates.
The now 32-year-old was a former running back, playing for the Calgary Colts of the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) prior to making the switch to bobsleigh.
Melissa Austin says her son always had success as a multi-sport athlete, and when he started bobsleigh, it was a clear fit.
“I think it was just a natural progression to carry forward his strength and his speed into bobsled,” she said.
In 2013, Austin made the Canadian national team, while also making the jump to piloting.