Olympic gold medallist Justin Olsen and Salt Lake City 2002 silver medallist Garrett Hines will work as bobsleigh and skeleton start coaches, respectively ©USABS

Olympic gold medallist Justin Olsen and Salt Lake City 2002 silver medallist Garrett Hines have joined the coaching staff at USA Bobsled and Skeleton (USABS).

Olsen, a member of the sled driven by the late Steve Holcomb which won gold at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, will work as a bobsleigh start coach.

The 33-year-old has become a coach after confirming his retirement from the sport.

"I spent some time coaching last season since I couldn’t be in a sled, and I found out that I had a blast doing it," Olsen said. 

"I realised that my ability to have an impact on people was much greater as a coach than as an athlete. 

"It’s the right time to make this transition. 

"It’s going to be a challenge, but I’m not afraid of challenges. 

"I’m really excited to be the USABS start coach, and I’m looking forward to getting started."

Justin Olsen has confirmed his retirement from bobsleigh after moving into a coaching role ©Getty Images
Justin Olsen has confirmed his retirement from bobsleigh after moving into a coaching role ©Getty Images

Hines, part of the four-man team that earned silver at the 2002 Games, has joined as a skeleton start coach.

The 51-year-old retired in 2003 and has spent the last 17 years working with various levels of athletes as a track and field coach. 

Hines and team mate Randy Jones became the first African-American male athletes to win a medal for the US at a Winter Olympics when they finished second as part of the four-man team at Salt Lake City 2002.

The duo, who have won a total of six World Championships and Olympic medals between them, will split time between the development and national teams.

"We are really excited for Justin and Garrett to make the transition to coaches," said USABS chief executive Aron McGuire. 

"They have a wealth of sliding knowledge and experience to share from their time in the sport as athletes, and they will be assets to this team as we strive for excellence in 2022 and beyond."