A COLCHESTER paratrooper previously deemed an “idiot abroad” is now silencing his critics as he guns for gold at the Winter Olympics.
Lance Corporal Nick Gleeson, who is part of 3 Para, based at Colchester’s Merville Barracks, got into bobsleigh alongside his military duties and showed incredible promise.
It led to the multi-talented paratrooper being selected for Team GB’s Skeleton and Bobsleigh team at the Beijing 2022 games, with the bobsleigh action commencing tomorrow.
But, during a bumpy ride to the top of the sport, Mr Gleeson said he’s just a “regular guy” who has worked hard to compete at the prestigious competition.
“People called us the stupidest team on the season,” the Olympian told the Team GB website. “Just a bunch of idiots really, because we were having a laugh on social media.
“We don’t take ourselves too seriously when we don’t need to. When we’re at the track, we’re doing everything we need to do, but we can switch on and off and enjoy it.
“We’re not just hardcore athletes - we’re four regular guys, there’s nothing particularly special about us. If you take us and we push a bobsleigh, it works.
“Before the 2019 World Championships, someone commented saying, ‘idiots abroad - prove me wrong.’ We went out and finished fourth in the world behind three Olympic medallists.
With one day until the opening ceremony and 11 days until the 2 Man heats in Beijing, Team @The_BBSA 🇬🇧 have been on the Olympic track training.
— British Army Sport (@ArmySportASCB) February 3, 2022
We're all behind the team and LCpl Nick Gleeson @nickgleeson_ @TheParachuteReg in his 2nd games with 🇬🇧 in both the 2 Man and 4 man. pic.twitter.com/zfx2MHtGNE
“I spoke to the first person who made that comment and they said ‘You proved me wrong’ and I’m incredibly proud of that.”
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Lance Cpl Gleeson now makes his return having made his Olympic debut as part of a crew which finished 17th at PyeongChang 2018.
Lieutenant General Andrew Harrison, Col Comdt of the Parachute Regiment has now urged the soldier to go for gold.
In a message, he said: “I’ve been down the track a few times myself, so I know what you guys have to go through and I’m looking forward to success over the coming weeks.
“I can just wish from myself, from the Parachute Regiment and from the rest of the UK that I know is watching and hoping for glory from you.”
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