ELLIE DOWNIE OUT OF GAMES AFTER FAMILY TRAGEDY

GYMNASTICS

ELLIE DOWNIE will miss the Olympics following the sudden death of her brother last week. British Gymnastics announced last night the world vault bronze medallist, 21, is ‘taking some time away from the sport to be with her family’ after Josh, 24, passed away from a heart attack while playing cricket. Ellie’s older sister Becky, 29, has vowed to carry on and will have the chance to win selection in a specially arranged trial. The Downies missed last weekend’s final Olympic trial in Cardiff after being informed of the tragic incident on the eve of the event. British Gymnastics were due to select a four-woman team for Tokyo this week but will now delay naming the squad until the start of next month. The governing body said: ‘We felt it important in such an unprecedented situation 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.’