Bath’s Olympic Star Swaps Ice for Comedy Stage
From Bobsleigh Track to Comedy Clubs: Greg Cackett’s New Chapter
For nearly a decade, Greg Cackett has been a familiar face at the University of Bath’s bobsleigh track, the only facility of its kind in the UK. The three-time Winter Olympian and Team GB brakeman has competed at the highest levels of international sport, most recently helping Britain reach 7th place at the Milano Cortina Games earlier this year. But after years of dedication to the ice, Cackett is pursuing an entirely different kind of performance—stand-up comedy.
This season marks his retirement from professional bobsleigh as he transitions into writing, comedy, and television work. “In my heart this chapter on sport is closed and this new chapter with writing, comedy, film and TV begins,” Cackett explained. The shift might seem dramatic, but those who know him best aren’t surprised. His teammates at Bath recognize the same drive that got him to three Olympics is now channeled into comedic material and scriptwriting.
Cackett has already participated in several stand-up events this year, testing material and building confidence on stage. He acknowledges the journey won’t be quick. “This definitely doesn’t happen overnight. You’ve got to earn your stripes,” he said, reflecting the same realistic mindset that shaped his athletic career.
What This Means for Bath’s Olympic Community and Beyond
The University of Bath has long been central to British bobsleigh’s success, hosting the sport’s elite training facilities and attracting world-class athletes. Cackett’s retirement represents a significant transition within this tight-knit community, but his teammates are firmly in his corner. Leon Greenwood, fellow Olympic competitor and training partner, expressed full confidence: “I believe in him. If he just puts in the same mindset which got him to three Olympics then he’ll do just fine.”
Taylor Lawrence, another teammate, highlighted how Cackett’s adaptability could serve him well. “It’s one niche environment to another niche environment but he excels in whatever he puts his hand to,” Lawrence noted. For Bath’s sporting community, Cackett’s transition opens a broader conversation about athlete careers beyond competition.
His decision to pursue comedy could inspire other local athletes to explore creative passions. Unlike traditional career transitions into coaching or management, Cackett is charting genuinely new territory—potentially becoming the first UK Olympian to establish a professional comedy career. Local venues and entertainment spaces across Bristol and Bath may soon see a familiar face performing on their stages, bringing Olympic-level dedication to a completely different arena.
What’s Next: Cackett’s Goals and Local Support Opportunities
Cackett remains grounded about his ambitions. “If I can make people laugh and I can get paid for that then that would be wonderful,” he said simply. His approach mirrors that of an athlete training for competition—developing material, performing at various venues, and gradually building an audience and reputation.
The bobsleigh champion is currently focused on getting his scripts out and refining his craft. For local residents in Bath and Bristol, this means opportunities to support his transition by attending comedy shows and performances as they’re announced. Keep an eye on local venue listings and entertainment calendars for his appearances.
Cackett has reflected deeply on his Olympic achievements, expressing pride in his career while maintaining the humility necessary for starting fresh. “I’ve done three Olympics and I’m grateful for all of it but you can’t take yourself too seriously. I want to just get my scripts out. And if I can get there and someone likes what I do then great,” he explained. As he embarks on this new chapter, the community that supported him through bobsleigh’s demanding training regimen at the University of Bath track now watches with curiosity and encouragement. Whether performing at intimate comedy clubs or landing television opportunities, Cackett’s journey from ice to stage is uniquely local and genuinely inspiring.
