Greg Cackett is not just any athlete; he’s a powerhouse of speed, skill, and determination. Known affectionately as “Big Daddy” by his teammates, this University of Bath-based star is gearing up to compete in his third Winter Olympics, solidifying his status as the most decorated British brakeman in history.
Born in Surrey and now 36, Cackett is the veteran cornerstone of Brad Hall’s elite four-man bobsleigh crew. Since 2016, training at the University of Bath’s Sports Training Village, he has demonstrated unmatched resilience and versatility, proving himself indispensable to Team GB’s rapid ascent in the sport.
Before gripping the bobsleigh, Cackett was already blazing down the track as one of Britain’s fastest sprinters. Under the expert guidance of Olympic legend Linford Christie, he achieved a remarkable 10.24 seconds in the 100 meters. This explosive speed translates seamlessly to the ice, where the crucial first 50 meters often determine the race outcome. Cackett’s lightning-fast starts have helped Team GB shatter records that stood unchallenged for over 80 years.
His dedication has earned him 17 World Cup medals, making him the most successful British brakeman ever. Cackett’s drive isn’t just about medals; it’s about legacy. “Winning an Olympic medal and leaving a legacy is the ultimate goal,” he shared recently. “We may be a minor nation, but we consistently punch above our weight.”
Beyond the track, Cackett is a passionate storyteller and the creator of ‘The Brakeman’—an online platform offering fans an insider’s view of the intense training, high-speed crashes, and tight-knit camaraderie that define bobsleigh. His candid content invites followers into the hidden world of this adrenaline-fueled sport.
Cackett’s mental toughness is legendary. He once revealed that his fierce winning mindset led him to vividly visualize himself as an Olympic champion so early that he began writing a book about the experience before it had even happened.
Injuries have tested him too. A serious setback in summer 2024 threatened his dream of competing again in Milano-Cortina. Yet, with relentless determination, he returned to the World Cup podium just months later. After a brief hiatus following the 2018 PyeongChang Games to explore track cycling, he recognized his “unfinished business” was still on the ice. Following a strong 6th-place finish in Beijing, he is now laser-focused on completing his mission.
When not pushing boundaries on the push-track at Bath, Cackett can be found in Somerset, where he and fellow teammate Taylor Lawrence run the “Power Speed Performance” camps at Millfield School. Here, they pass on their expertise to the next generation, teaching young athletes how to generate the explosive power that propels a 400kg bobsleigh down the mountain.
Greg Cackett’s journey is a testament to speed, perseverance, and leadership. As Team GB slides into the Cortina spotlight next month, it is with Cackett’s explosive energy and experience that British bobsleigh aims to reach new heights.