Page 42 - The Gazette Autumn 2024

42 The Gazette QARANC Association
Kewe and her husband Tommy Hayes
She explains, “Simi was the pilot steering the sled and I was the ‘brake woman’ – it reaches speeds of 118.78 km/hr. It was my job to push the sled and then jump in. Think of a roller coaster but instead of having a seatbelt you hold yourself in! The force of going around the corners does help. I would count the corners and know when to brake.
“I memorised the track and would count the corners and know that after the 14th corner to brake. It was a lot to learn and master, but the other bob sleigh community were all lovely and happy to answer questions, or loan us any tools we needed.”
Disaster struck when Simi hurt her leg jumping into the sled, being unused to loading in from the side. They couldn’t risk the injury getting worse, so decided that Semi would start in the sled and Kewe would push it off alone. This immediately compromised them relative to the competition. “This was a push track and not as technical, so you need a quick push to get the best time,” says Kewe.
Despite the handicap the pair finished in the top
Think of a roller coaster but instead of having a seatbelt you hold yourself in!
Simidele Adeagbo and Cpl Kewe King
20, doing Nigeria proud. Simi was impressed with how Kewe memorised the track the hope is that they will team up again in the future, perhaps even at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
“Simi’s focus is Monobob, but I think she quite liked having a partner. My parents and my husband helped to prepare the sled and sand the runners – the smoother they are the faster they slide over the ice. Nigeria is not the wealthiest country and don’t have crews like the USA, so we really valued the extra pairs of hands.”
In summary, Kewe reflects: “It was an amazing experience. We were a bit unlucky with the injury, but we did very well even with this, and we gained some great experience that will make us stronger next time. I am really grateful that I had the chance to do this, and for the support from Simi, my family, the Association and everyone who encouraged me.”
Interview by Steve Bax
With Maj Robert Hinton RAMC – Coach
Simidele Adeagbo with Cpl Kewe King QARANC – Brakewoman