Taylor Lawrence’s journey from the frontlines of the Royal Marines to the icy curves of the Olympic bobsleigh track is nothing short of extraordinary. Based at the University of Bath and nicknamed the ‘Commando on Ice,’ the 29-year-old Lance Corporal is both a decorated serviceman and the powerhouse behind Britain’s most successful bobsleigh crew in almost a century.
Lawrence’s introduction to bobsleigh came unexpectedly while on military duty in 2019. A natural athlete with a background in rugby and football, he was quickly recognized for his explosive strength and speed. Despite an intense and rocky first run—marked by a dramatic crash—he embraced the steep learning curve with the resilience and determination emblematic of his Royal Marine training.
Since then, Lawrence has honed his skills at the Sports Training Village in Bath, fine-tuning the sprinting power essential for a brakeman. Partnering with pilot Brad Hall, he has been instrumental in rewriting British bobsleigh records and elevating the team’s profile on the world stage.
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The 2025/26 season began with a challenge; a calf injury sidelined Lawrence during the crucial opening months. Yet, true to his ‘Commando Spirit,’ he made a triumphant return in January 2026, helping secure a European Championship bronze in the two-man event at St Moritz. This comeback sent a clear message: Taylor Lawrence remains a dominant force on the ice.
Lawrence’s role is critical during races—he performs the powerful ‘hit’ that launches the sled with speed and precision, a task demanding exceptional timing and strength. Alongside teammates like Greg Cackett and Brad Hall, he has built a close-knit ‘brotherhood’ that consistently challenges and often outperforms heavily funded European rivals.
Balancing his duties as a serving member of the Royal Marines with the rigors of elite sport, Lawrence’s recent promotion to Lance Corporal during competition in Winterberg underscores his dual commitment to country and sport.
As he prepares for his second Olympic Games, following a narrow sixth-place finish in Beijing, Taylor Lawrence is no longer content with participation alone. With eyes firmly set on Milano-Cortina 2026, the ‘Commando’ is determined to bring home Britain’s first bobsleigh gold in nearly a century.