Not strictly bobsleigh

Strictly star Montell Douglas knows Bobsleigh is a world away from the dance floor but she says her time on the ice has helped her shine under the bright lights. 

Douglas raced 25 times during a five-year bobsleigh career, winning four gold medals and making history by becoming Team GB’s first female athlete to compete at both a Summer and Winter Olympics.

Having initially switched from sprinting to bobsleigh in 2017, the 38-year-old former sprint queen has since swapped bobsleigh for the small screen as she first starred in hit TV show Gladiators before being selected for Strictly Come Dancing.

And while her latest adventure may be a million miles away from the ice, Douglas insists bobsleigh has had a positive impact on her performances in front of the Strictly judges.

“The process of trying something completely new and out your comfort zone has definitely helped,” said Douglas.

Having transitioned from one sport to another, and learning what that process feels like, has helped with this one.

“I don't take anything for granted when taking on something new. Managing expectations is key. My expectations are to have the time of my life on this fantastic opportunity.

“I think doing anything new that you are a novice at is very daunting but what I learned and know now is that you can only do your best. Sometimes it's enough, sometimes it isn't. But it's all that matters.”

Douglas definitely sees a couple of other similarities between bobsleigh and ballroom dancing but she admits the differences are definitely easier to spot.

The biggest similarity between bobsleigh and Strictly is that your body gets a li’l battering due to the new movements it's taking on. The hard graft is also the same. The biggest difference? Everything else!

“As for the kit (!!), they're both pretty cool but I definitely prefer spikes over heels because, if you think ice is slippery, try running during a Samba in Latin heels!”

Having tasted success in sprinting and again in bobsleigh, the former British 100m record holder is seeking another milestone after making it through to week 8 of the 22nd series of Strictly courtesy of a dance off victory over GB Hockey’s Olympic gold medalist Sam Quek last Sunday.   

And, while she might be pretty busy right now as she looks to make it all the way to the Strictly finals, Douglas says she’ll have more than one eye back on bobsleigh when the World Cup season starts the week before the show’s finale on December 14th.

“Will I be keeping up with bobsleigh results this season? Absolutely! 

“I really do love bobsleigh and I’m looking forward to hearing how amazingly the team is doing ahead of an Olympic season next year!”