Military athlete’s unabashed love of country strikes chord with Americans seeking Olympic pride

When Jasmine Jones stepped before cameras at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, she did something that has become surprisingly rare among modern Olympians: She spoke openly about her pride in representing the United States.

The response was immediate and overwhelming.

The first-time Olympic bobsledder and Air Force service member became an unexpected sensation this week, her patriotic remarks resonating with Americans who felt starved for such displays during international competition. In an era when some athletes have complicated relationships with national identity, Jones offered something simpler — unfiltered love of country.

Her journey to the Olympic stage has been defined by motherhood, military service and an unwavering commitment to overcoming adversity.

Olympian and Mother: Dual Motivation

In 2021, Jones gave birth to her daughter, Jade, who will turn 5 later this month. Rather than seeing motherhood as an obstacle, Jones embraced it as fuel for her Olympic dreams.

She takes particular pride in demonstrating for her daughter how to navigate obstacles and emerge stronger. While Jones competes in Italy, Jade remains in Pennsylvania with her grandmother, an arrangement reflecting the sacrifices military families routinely make.

The separation serves a larger purpose. Jones wants Jade to witness what determination and service can achieve — lessons about joining the Air Force, pursuing athletic excellence and balancing multiple demanding roles. These are lived experiences she hopes will shape her daughter’s approach to life’s challenges.

Taking on Germany’s Dominance

Jones harbors no illusions about her competition. Team Germany has established near-total dominance in international bobsledding. At the 2024 World Championships, German athletes claimed 11 of 12 available medals. By early 2026, they had accumulated 28 World Cup medals — while the rest of the world combined managed just two.

Rather than feeling intimidated, Jones draws energy from the challenge. She considers herself among the world’s elite athletes and relishes testing that belief against the best. The prospect of competing against such formidable opponents creates an internal fire that drives her performance.

The German team represents everything Jones aspires to match: speed, technical precision and consistent excellence. Facing them represents the ultimate validation of her years of sacrifice.

Learning Through Crashes

The 2024-25 season tested Jones in unexpected ways. She endured eight crashes during competition and training, with five occurring at a single track. Each incident exacted physical and mental tolls, leaving her feeling defeated despite her determination.

The setbacks forced strategic adjustment. Jones reconsidered her training approach, using the experience to sharpen her focus on becoming an exceptional brakeman — the rear athlete responsible for explosive starts, aerodynamic positioning and controlled stops after crossing the finish line.

By transforming herself into a standout brakeman, she could secure better team positioning and avoid being held back. The crashes became lessons rather than defeats.

From Airman to Olympian: Military Foundation

Jones barely missed qualifying for the 2022 Beijing Winter Games. Instead of surrendering, she joined the Air Force in April 2023, seeking the structure necessary to reach the next level.

Before military service, Jones juggled a civilian job while training — an arrangement insufficient for Olympic-level preparation. She needed stability and the ability to dedicate herself fully to bobsled. The Air Force provided both.

Through the Air Force’s World Class Athlete Program, Jones gained access to rigorous offseason training previously impossible to maintain. The discipline from basic training — early mornings, following orders, structured routines — translated directly to bobsled preparation.

Resilience emerged as the defining lesson. Waking early, following protocols and maintaining discipline became second nature, creating a foundation for excellence in both realms.

Her training emphasizes power-based exercises: squats, cleans and explosive movements maximizing her contribution during the crucial push start. Yet challenges remain. The snatch — an advanced Olympic lifting movement requiring coordination and explosive power in one fluid motion — persistently tests her limits.

Balancing Performance and Life

Weight management adds complexity. International regulations mandate that in two-woman sleds, both pilot and brakeman must weigh no more than 80 kilograms. Jones maintains strict awareness of this threshold.

She rejects extreme dietary restriction, having learned that obsessive clean eating paradoxically leads to weight gain. Instead, she pursues balance, eating nutritiously while permitting occasional indulgences. This moderate approach proves more sustainable and effective.

As Jones prepares for competition, she represents more than herself or her military branch. For many Americans, she embodies a straightforward patriotism they feel has been missing — someone unafraid to express gratitude for being an airman and pride in representing her country.

Team USA supporters can send personalized letters to Jones and fellow airman Kelly Curtis through a partnership between Team USA and Sandboxx, creating tangible connection between athletes and the public.

Whether Jones medals or not, she has already achieved something remarkable: reminding people why Olympic competition matters in the first place.

Source: Fox News