Becky Downie handed special trial after brother’s death

London: British Gymnastics will give world silver medallist Becky Downie a special chance to qualify for her third Olympics after the sudden death of her brother Josh before last weekend’s final trial for Tokyo.

Downie’s sister Ellie, who also competed at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, has decided to take time out of the sport, however.

“We felt it important in such an unprecedented situation to take time to look at how we might be able to grant an extension to the selection window to allow for a further opportunity to complete the trial,” British Gymnastics said in a statement.

“In such difficult circumstances we feel strongly that this is the right thing to do.”

Neither sister took part in the trial in Cardiff after their 24-year-old brother suffered a heart attack during a cricket nets session.