TROWBRIDGE pilot John Jackson admitted he fancied his chances of a second FIBT World Cup podium finish of the season before making the "sacrifice'' to help Great Britain qualify a second sled for next month's Winter Olympics.
Jackson's four-man crew were the fastest in training for the latest round of the circuit in Igls, Austria but, with the Wiltshire-based pilot's place in the Games in Sochi already secure, his crew switched to the sled of reserve driver Lamin Deen for today's race,
Deen produced a superb drive to finish 11th and move into the required top 20 sleds in the world rankings and earn a second berth for Britain
Jackson, who finished 20th today, said: "Sometimes sacrifices have to me made. Today we sacrificed a potential medal to help qualify a second sled for the Games.''
In the women's two-man competition, Trowbridge pilot Paula Walker and new brakewoman Sarah Adams secured GB a berth in the event in Sochi.
They finished 14th in their first World Cup together in a combined time of 1:47.88
"I've done all I can I just hope it's enough to get me there.'' said Walker.
Great Britain are set to confirm their bobsleigh representatives on Wednesday.
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