Briton’s medal hope after ‘freak’ stroke

British bobsledder Bruce Tasker insists a minor stroke will not stop him from receiving a retrospective Winter Olympic medal in Pyeongchang next month if the opportunity arises.

Tasker has been ruled out of competing in the Games after becoming ill last week, but is he expected to make a full recovery. And the 30-year-old says he will be able to fly to South Korea if there is a chance of being awarded his belated bronze medal from Sochi 2014. Tasker was part of the fourman crew which came fifth four years ago and is in line for an upgrade after two Russian crews that finished ahead of them were banned for doping.

The International Olympic Committee has indicated its desire to re-award the medals in Pyeongchang provided the sanctions are upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport later this month.

Tasker said: “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. This was a freak occurrence. I’m still sore but, otherwise, I feel fine. I’m set to make a 100 per cent recovery and I feel as though I’m most of the way there.”