Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – The British four-man bobsleigh team faces a challenging road to a medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, currently sitting in seventh place after the first two heats. Despite a strong opening run, inconsistencies in their second attempt have left Brad Hall and his team with a 0.23-second deficit to overcome heading into Sunday’s final runs. The competition has already seen several crashes, adding to the drama and difficulty on the challenging Italian track.
Pilot Brad Hall, aiming for a first Olympic medal in 12 years for the British team, expressed frustration after the second run. “I’m a bit lost for words to be honest,” Hall told BBC Sport. “We had a really good first run and the second run just got away from us and I honestly don’t really know where. It felt like a nice run to me but we bled some time.” The team’s initial pace of 54.39 seconds placed them third, showcasing their medal potential, but a slower second run dropped them down the standings.
The German teams currently dominate the competition, holding the top three positions overall. Johannes Lochner, who previously secured gold in the two-man event earlier this week, leads with a combined time of 1:48.61, according to reports. The race was temporarily halted during the second heat following a crash involving the Austrian team, with pilot Jakob Mandlbauer receiving medical attention and being transported to a hospital, though Greg Crackett of Team GB reported that Mandlbauer was conscious and moving.
The Cortina Sliding Centre has proven to be a demanding track, with several teams experiencing difficulties. France and Trinidad and Tobago, piloted by Harrogate-born Axel Brown, also suffered crashes, though both crews were able to walk away from their sleds. Hall emphasized the track’s unforgiving nature, stating, “This track is very tricky and, as you’ve seen in the other races — the monobob, two-man, two-women — things can flip on their head very quickly and you can lose half a second.”
Challenges on the Track and Team Performance
The fluctuating track conditions, with rising temperatures impacting the ice, also played a role in the British team’s struggles. After a 20-minute delay following the Austrian crash, the ice surface slowed, making it harder to replicate the speed achieved in the first run. Team Hall finished the two-man event in 12th place earlier in the week, but are hoping to improve on that result in the four-man competition.
Taylor Lawrence, Greg Cackett, and Leon Greenwood contributed to the start line power, but their second run was over half a second slower than their first. Lawrence highlighted the team’s potential, saying, “That first run was storming, all the boys were really pushing to the max and that’s where we necessitate to be. We showed we are in medal shape and Brad’s driving was phenomenal. We feel we’re right in the mix.” Team GB reported this sentiment, emphasizing their continued belief in a medal possibility.
What’s Next for Team GB
Despite the setbacks, Team GB remains within striking distance of a podium finish. The final two heats on Sunday will be crucial, requiring a flawless performance to close the gap on the leading German teams. The team will analyze their second run to identify areas for improvement and aim to capitalize on any mistakes made by their competitors. Brad Hall is seeking a medal at his third Olympic Winter Games, and the team is determined to deliver a strong finish.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics continue to deliver thrilling competition, and the four-man bobsleigh event promises a dramatic conclusion. Fans can follow the action on Sunday as Team GB fights for a coveted medal.
What do you feel Team GB needs to do to get back into medal contention? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
