Bobsleigh: Minichiello retires

Great Britain's former bobsleigh world champion Nicola Minichiello has announced her retirement.

Britain's first female world champion calls it a day

Great Britain's former bobsleigh world champion Nicola Minichiello has announced her retirement from the sport. The 33-year-old, who claimed gold with Gillian Cooke at the 2009 World Championships in Lake Placid, is to take up a youth development role with the International Bobsleigh Federation. Minichiello was the first British female to become world champion and held the nation's number one spot for nine years. "Throughout my 10-year career in bobsleigh I've experienced many achievements," she said. "However, becoming world champion was truly the highlight. During this time I'm delighted to have worked with so many great individuals, organisations and sponsors, to all of you and to my family, fans and supporters, thank you."