by Dan Cope
Welsh bobsleigh star Bruce Tasker has suffered a minor stroke that will rule him out of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeonchang.
The 30-year-old was set to be part of the four-man bobsledding team, competing alongside driver John Jackson, Stuart Benson and Joel Fearon before suffering a stroke on January 4.
The team could be heavily impacted by his absence having tasted success at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, but Tasker is expected to make a full recovery and return to bobsleighing.
Although the team finished fifth overall, Russian doping allegations could lead to the team claiming a bronze medal. Tasker has also shown his sleighing talent in the past in other events, by securing Britain’s best two-man World Championship in 50 years in 2016 alongside team mate Joel Fearon. Tasker also won a silver medal on the Europa Cup circuit during the 2016/17 season.
Despite Tasker’s importance to the team, driver Jonathan Jackson said that his compatriot’s heartbreak will inspire the team in Pyeonchang.
Speaking to the BBC, Jackson said: “It is going to give that extra oomph to the guys in the sled.”
He also praised the strength in depth of the Great Britain squad: “Although he will be missed, the guys that are put in will also do a very good job.”
Tasker confirmed he is expected to make a full recovery and return to bobsleigh. After his health scare, Tasker said: “I’m set to make a 100 per cent recovery and I already feel as though I’m most of the way there. In the meantime, I’ll still be cheering the team on from my sofa!”
Tasker has also not given up on being awarded a bronze medal from Sochi 2014, adding: “I’m fit to travel. If there was any chance of receiving a medal out there in Pyeongchang with my team-mates, I’d definitely be keen to do that.”
(Featured image: BrokenSphere)
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