Team USA's bobsleds are built in the Tar Heel State
Posted February 15, 2022 3:34 p.m. EST
Updated February 15, 2022 6:33 p.m. EST
From race cars to jets, North Carolina company Debotech specializes in all things fast. That includes helping athletes chase gold at the Winter Olympics.
Hans Debot, a graduate of North Carolina State University, is Team USA's go-to bobsled builder.
"It makes it an entertaining thing, and it keeps us motivated. You know you're doing it for your buddies," he said.
The Mooresville company's autoclave is covered with autographs.
Debotech hand makes carbon fiber-based bob sled and skeleton parts that will be used in the Olympics.
If it goes fast, Debot can make it. He's worked with sailing teams, NASCAR and companies like General Motors.
"The American dream is hard work," he said. "My father always told me, the two things I've always lived by: nothing good comes easy and there are no free rides."
Debot's reputation led to a phone call from Bruce Roselli who wanted a cutting edge bob sled for the Salt Lake Olympics in 2002.
"It showed up on the hill in the 2002 Olympics," Debot recalls. "It had no paint on it, had exposed graphics on it, fully gorgeous-looking carbon fiber parts, so it brought a lot of attention."
By 2010, Debot was making parts that helped the United States' four-man bobsled team win its first first gold in 62 years.
His work is on display again in Beijing.
"Hopefully the U.S. wins some gold medals, if not we'll live to fight another day and we are in heavy development for the 2026 Olympics," Debot said.
