Winter Olympian swapping bobsleigh for comedy

Bobsleigh brakeman Greg Cackett is hoping to become the first UK Olympian to have a career in comedy.

Cackett, who has been to three Winter Olympics with Team GB, plans to retire from the sport this season.

His passion away from the ice is writing and this year he's taken part in several stand-up events.

"In my heart this chapter on sport is closed and this new chapter with writing, comedy, film and TV begins," said Cackett.

"This definitely doesn't happen overnight. You've got to earn your stripes," he added.

"If I can make people laugh and I can get paid for that then that would be wonderful," he added.

Cackett has been a part of the Team GB bobsleigh squad for nearly a decade, training in Bath, after making his Olympic debut in 2018.

The University of Bath is home to the UK's only bobsleigh track - run by the British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association.

In 2023 Cackett helped the team win the country's first four-man World Championships medal in 84 years, followed by being crowned European champions for the first time.

He also helped the team reach 7th place at the Milano Cortina Games earlier this year and shared what it was like missing out on the podium in the four-man event.

"He's been talking about it for years," said team mate Leon Greenwood.

"I believe in him. If he just puts in the same mindset which got him to three Olympics then he'll do just fine," he added.

Another Olympic team mate, Taylor Lawrence, said: "It's one niche environment to another niche environment but he excels in whatever he puts his hand to."

"I am very proud of my career," added Cackett.

"I've done three Olympics and I'm grateful for all of it but you can't take yourself too seriously.

"I want to just get my scripts out. And if I can get there and someone likes what I do then great".

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