Bobsleigh: Minichiello blow
British bobsleigh world champion Nicola Minichiello is in a race to return to fitness before the Winter Olympics due to an eye problem.
By Rachel Griffiths
Last Updated: 10/12/09 10:21am
British bobsleigh world champion Nicola Minichiello is facing a race to return to fitness before the Winter Olympics in February after being sidelined with an eye condition.
The Sheffield athlete is suffering from a loss of vision in her left eye, the cause of which is thought to be inflammation of the retina.
The 31-year-old finished eighth at the World Cup race in Italy but was forced to return home and consult a specialist last week, and she will now be absent for two World Cup races in Germany.
Minichiello, who joined Gillian Cooke in becoming the first British woman to win a bobsleigh world title at Lake Placid earlier this year, is targeting a return at the Koenigssee race in January.
"Getting Nicola ready for Vancouver in February is our main priority," said manager Jo Manning.
"At this stage we are still working to the Winter Olympics. She's okay in herself. We just need to get her better."
The Winter Olympics begin in Canada on February 12, with Minichiello and Cooke's event scheduled for February 23 and 24 at the Whistler Sliding Centre.
