Dallas teacher makes U.S. national bobsled team

DALLAS —

It’s a change of surroundings and a wild 80 mph journey for a Dallas P.E. teacher.

Freddie Harris Jr., a former school soccer participant, made the national Team USA in bobsled.  

“It means a lot,” Harris Jr. stated. “I’m soaking everything in.” 

Last weekend he competed in his first World Cup race in Park City, Utah, and positioned 11th.  

“It was great,” Harris Jr. stated. “I didn’t place where I wanted to, but everybody on my team are all rookies, except for the pilot, so it was a great learning experience.”  

On Tuesday, he was in Lake Placid, New York, the place he’ll have one other alternative to compete towards one of the best within the sport subsequent weekend. 

“It’s an amazing opportunity competing against the world’s best,” Harris Jr. stated.  

Harris, who attended R.L. Turner High School in North Texas and performed soccer on the University of Central Oklahoma, stated it’s solely the start.   

“I was taught, never be satisfied always look for the next biggest thing. I’m happy, now I’m trying to make the Olympics in 2026,” Harris Jr. stated.  

Harris acknowledges it is a distinctive sport for a North Texan to compete in, however Harris stated he dreamed up the concept whereas feeling stagnant throughout the pandemic.  

He knew it was time for one thing extra. 

“Bobsledding, it’s random, just like me,” Harris Jr. stated. 

“I’ve always had that competitive itch, but I didn’t know what to compete in,” he added. 

While coaching for bobsledding in Dallas-Fort Worth could appear practically not possible, Harris Jr. stated it’s surprisingly easy. 

He discovered loads of the game’s approach by watching YouTube movies and coaching at grassy fields and round a monitor. 

“The coaching side is rather like in soccer. You’re simply coaching to be explosive, highly effective and run quick,” Harris Jr. stated.  

The elementary college teacher has been away from the classroom whereas he competes however informed WFAA he’s sharing his journey with college students whereas educating them an necessary lesson — it’s by no means too late to chase your goals. 

“We all have dreams, but dreams are just dreams until you apply action and they become reality,” Harris Jr. stated.