Bobsleighing marine focussed on Olympic success

British Bobsleigh brakeman Taylor Lawrence is uncompromising as he discusses his drive for a medal

"Success looks like an Olympic medal," says Taylor Lawrence, a Royal Marine with his sights set on bobsleigh glory for Team GB at the Winter Olympics.

The 29-year-old, based in Berkshire and originally from Kent, is currently out of action with a calf injury but has still made his way to Italy to support his teammates at the first event of the 2025-26 World Cup season.

The Eugenio Monti Sliding Centre in Cortina d'Ampezzo hosts the first of seven events held across Europe throughout the winter, before the season finale sees athletes return to the region for the winter games in February.

The brand-new track has been built on the original site where the 1956 Winter Olympics were held.

An integral part of British Bobsleigh's GB1 four-man crew's recent success, Taylor is uncompromising as he discusses his drive for a medal, behind pilot Brad Hall.

"I think anything less we would see as a bit of a shame," he said.

"Success for us is one getting to Milan Cortina fit and healthy and two, coming away with an Olympic medal."

Taylor said teamwork was critical to both his military and sporting roles

The serving Royal Marine, who is on a full-time sports contract, said he was grateful for the forces support.

"At the moment they've taken me out of my soldiering role and allowed me to focus on sport, which is a great place to be," he said.

Bobsleigh has a "rich history" with military personnel, and Taylor highlights how the "teamwork" is critical to both of his roles.

He said: "I think it's that sort of person, that courageous side, the resilience, all of those characteristics and values that you pick up in the military, really transfer well over to bobsleigh."

Reflecting on his two roles he could not have imagined pursuing bobsleigh and the marines when he was younger.

"Life changes, different paths open up but I'm very grateful and proud to represent both the military and GB at bobsleigh," he said.

The British four-man crew finished sixth in the Beijing Olympics in 2022, which was the best result of all the Team GB skeleton and bobsleigh teams who endured a tough games.

When Taylor first joined the squad they were not funded, but bobsleigh did subsequently receive up to £120,000 from UK Sport before Beijing.

For the Milan Cortina 2026 cycle, bobsleigh has been awarded £2.8m after a £900,000 uplift in August 2023.

To put into context, the powerhouse Germany teams spend £2m a year on research and development alone.

Targeting a return from injury just after Christmas, Taylor is looking forward to proving his fitness and is confident about once again testing himself against the world's best.

The ultimate aim is to standing on a podium at a Winter Olympic games, which would be reward for a career spent serving his country in two types of uniform.