Jasmine Jones has quickly become a symbol of patriotism for many Americans during the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. In a recent interview, the first-time Olympic bobsledder and Air Force member expressed her pride in representing her country, her military service, and her family in Italy.
The display of national pride resonated deeply on social media, where many were eager to see Olympians showcase their patriotism this winter.
Jones highlighted that her journey has been marked by overcoming challenges and a commitment to her family.
Setting an Example for Her Daughter
As a young mother, Jones aims to serve as a role model for her daughter, Jade, who will turn five soon. Preparing for her first Olympic experience, she feels proud to show her daughter how to navigate challenges and what it truly means to overcome them.
She hopes Jade will follow in her footsteps, possibly considering a future in the Air Force while also pursuing athletics. “Showing her various ways to combine a career in the Air Force with sports makes it all the more meaningful,” Jones stated. Currently, Jade is under the care of Jones’ mother in the U.S. while she competes in Italy. “I’m really thankful for my mom. She’s been a big help,” Jones added.
Eager to Compete Against Germany
In Milan-Cortina, Jones is particularly excited about facing the formidable German team. “They are always tough competitors and excellent athletes. I look forward to competing against the best,” she said.
Germany has a strong reputation in international bobsledding, having secured 11 out of 12 medals at the 2024 World Championships and dominating early 2026 events, winning 28 medals at the World Cup while other nations secured only two combined.
“I’m here to compete with the best athletes in the world, and I believe I’m among them,” Jones added, noting that it fuels her competitive spirit.
Recovering from Past Crashes
In the 2024-25 season, Jones faced significant setbacks, experiencing eight crashes while training and competing. “It was a tough year, with crashes happening frequently,” she reflected.
Going through those challenges took a mental and physical toll on her. “Those experiences pushed me to rethink my training strategies and how I approach competition,” she mentioned. They also helped her clarify her aspiration of becoming a top brakeman.
The brakeman plays a crucial role in bobsledding, primarily responsible for the initial push and ensuring safety during deceleration. “If I can excel as a brakeman, I can take on diverse roles in the sport and elevate my performance,” she noted.
Finding Strength Through Air Force Training
Having narrowly missed the cut for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Jones enlisted in the Air Force in April 2023, believing this would enhance her training. “Joining the Air Force has opened doors for me, allowing me to train hard during the offseason,” she explained.
After giving birth to Jade, stability became a priority for Jones as she pursued her Olympic dreams. The Air Force provided that stability. “I wanted to focus on bobsledding without juggling a civilian job,” she shared.
The most important lesson she learned? Resilience. “The discipline I gained from basic training carries over into my sport. It teaches me the importance of staying focused,” Jones stated.
Maintaining a Rigorous Training Regimen
Jones attributes her athletic progress to a demanding heavyweight training program in the Air Force. “My focus is mainly on powerlifting, with a lot of squats and cleans,” she explained. However, she admitted that the snatch workout proves to be a challenge. “I still struggle with it,” she confessed.
Maintaining her weight is vital in bobsledding, leading her to adopt specific eating habits. “There are strict weight guidelines in our sport. I aim to keep my weight below 80 kg, which can be challenging,” she said, emphasizing the need for a balanced diet without completely avoiding sweets. “Interestingly, trying too hard to eat clean can lead to weight gain,” she noted.
