By Nick Butler at the Main Press Centre in Sochi

The Jamaican bobsleigh team are due to compete in their first Winter Olympics since 2002 in Sochi ©Getty ImagesFebruary 5 - Jamaica's bobsleigh team has received an early blow in their return to the Winter Olympic fold after their luggage and blades were lost during their journey to Russia.


After making their debut at Calgary 1988, Jamaica participated in the next four Winter Olympics and were famously documented in the 1993 Disney film Cool Runnings.

After missing Turin 2006 and Vancouver 2010 they announced their return last month - but only amid a plea for support in getting to Sochi due to their lack of funding - with the team now consisting of 46-year-old Winston Watts, in his fourth Olympics, and Marvin Dixon.

The Jamaicans, pictured here at Nagano 1998, have become an iconic part of Winter Olympic folklore in recent years ©Sports Illustrated/Getty ImagesThe Jamaicans, pictured here at Nagano 1998, have become an iconic part of Winter Olympic folklore in recent years ©Sports Illustrated/Getty Images


When asked why they did not take part in training today, Watts explained how neither their luggage or blades have arrived.  

"The Chef de Mission is dealing with it," Watts said

"I hope it is on the way here because what I am wearing now is what I have."

"It is a tough way to start, but we have a back-up plan, a lot of guys wanted to help us, and we may race on borrowed blades."

It is likely the mishap was caused by bad weather in the United States which caused their plane to re-land in New York and be delayed overnight - presumably causing the confusion.

Although various criticisms have been voiced relating to logistical matters in the days leading up the Opening Ceremony here - with hotel rooms and stray dogs two notable examples - baggage going missing has not been among them.

But, with the pair being unable to train today, there are now also concerns it may inhibit their chances when competition begins at the end of next week, because they will be less used to the course than their rivals.