Jason Giobbi
16 September 1968
Broken Hill born, Jason Giobbi, is recognised in the FWSHF for his involvement in both athletics and bobsleigh.
His passion for sport started at a young age, competing in junior athletics and playing AFL. It didn’t take long before Jason’s aptitude for athletics was realised and he set himself a goal of being a 100m sprinter. Whilst studying Podiatry at the University Sydney, Jason trained hard, placing at state level and competing in the Australian Championships in the 100m sprint on numerous occasions.
Notably, Jason competed in the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games Trials and, in the same year, was recruited for the Australian Bobsleigh Team. This change would mean he would have to give up athletics due to their competing seasons. Jason then went to work, training hard in Europe and North America with the intention of being selected for the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics, for the Four Man Bobsleigh Team. That year, Australia only sent a two man team which meant that Jason missed his chance. Soon after, Jason graduated from the back of the sled to the drivers seat and was selected as a second driver for the Two Man Australian Bobsleigh team for the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics, getting his first taste of Olympic competition.
Four years on and 9 days prior to the opening ceremony of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, Australia was yet to qualify for the games but had hopes set on the last World Cup in St Moritz. Needing a top 16 finish, Jason and his team had the run of their lives, placing 15th and qualifying for the Olympics. Then followed a rush to get the team and their 1000kg worth of equipment to Japan, where they placed 22nd in the Two Man Competition and 23rd in the 4 Man Competition.
Jason’s connection to Broken Hill remains strong. With his family’s heritage written in the communities mining history, Jason enjoys visiting the community and has been recognised by the Mayor for his significant sporting achievements. Jason hopes for his achievement to inspire young people from the community to aim high and not give up on their hopes and dreams.
AWARDS & MILESTONES
- Placed 22nd in the 2-Man Bobsleigh event at the Nagano Winter Olympic Games
- Placed 23rd in the 4-Man Bobsleigh event at the Nagano Winter Olympic Games
- Europa Cup best result – 3rd place
- Highest World Cup place – 15th place
SPORTING HISTORY
1998
- Competed in the Bobsleigh World Cup in St Moritz, placing 15th which qualified Australia for the Nagano Winter Olympic Games.
- Competed at the Nagano Winter Olympics in the 2-Man and 4-Man Bobsleigh Teams.
1994
- Selected to represent Australia at the Lillehammer Winter Olympics as the reserve 2-Man Bobsleigh Team Driver.
- Competed at the Lillehammer Winter Olympics as the reserve 2-Man Bobsleigh Team Driver.
1990
- Competed in 100m Sprint at the Commonwealth Games Trials in Auckland.
