Was Cool Runnings based on true story? Al Trautwig role explored as Legendary sportscaster passes away

The New York-based sports commentator Al Trautwig is no more. The popular MSG Network broadcaster died on Sunday, February 23, 2025.

During his decades-long career, Trautwig was well-known for working with MSG Network. However, the late broadcaster also did a cameo in Cool Runnings in 1993. For the unversed, the Disney film drew inspiration from a true story of the Jamaican national bobsleigh team’s debut at the 1988 Winter Olympics.

Cool Runnings is a biopic that presents a fictionalized story about the debut. It was notable for its historical differences from real-life events. The makers changed the names of the athletes and introduced fictional characters. The film also takes creative liberties for comedic relief, drama, or other story-related elements.

---

Al Trautwig’s cameo in Cool Runnings was a fictionalized version of himself

In Cool Runnings, Trautwig was credited as himself. He extended his real-life persona within the film and acted as a play-by-play announcer. The veteran sports commentator’s role was not significant to the story of Cool Runnings but served as an intriguing addition along with a backdrop of the Winter Olympics.

Following its release, Cool Runnings emerged as a commercial and critical success. Over three decades after its release, the film has maintained a 76% positive reception on Rotten Tomatoes. At the same time, the film also has a 60% Metacritic score.

In terms of collections, the film grossed $68,856,263 domestically, per Box Office Mojo. It earned over $86 million from international markets and grossed around $154,856,263 worldwide.

---

Al Trautwig passed away at 68 after a long battle with cancer

On Monday, February 24, Al Trautwig’s son told the Associated Press about the passing of his father. Trautwig was 68 and was battling with cancer at the time of his death. The award-winning sportscaster was reportedly diagnosed with cancer in 2019.

During a broadcast of a Rangers preseason game, Trautwig seemingly looked “unwell” to many viewers. After the game, he reportedly took a “leave of absence,” and later refused to get a renewal for his contract with MSG Network.

After his passing, MSG Network issued a statement,

“Al was a staple on MSG Networks’ Knicks, Rangers and Yankees coverage for more than 30 years, and his passion for the teams he covered was undeniable. He leaves behind one of the great legacies in New York sports broadcasting history. Our thoughts and prayers are with Al’s family and friends.”

Alan Hahn, one of Al Trautwig’s former colleagues at MSG Network, also paid him a tribute on X,

“I’m sad to share the news that we lost a legendary voice in sports. But we lost a lot more than that. // He was not only a friend, but a mentor and a teacher. He was, personally, one of my biggest resources of support when I moved into this career. // Rest in peace, @AlTrautwig. 💔”

Al Trautwig started off in the late '70s and early '80s as a broadcaster for the NHL and the Olympics. He later became a mainstay at MSG Network and did pre and post-game shows for the New York Knicks and New York Rangers. Trautwig was about to turn 69 on February 26 but passed away three days prior to his birthday.