• Winter Olympics

Team GB skier Cheshire withdraws from Sochi

Rowan Cheshire claimed her first honour at a World Cup event in January but is not fit enough for an Olympic debut © Getty Images

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British halfpipe skier Rowan Cheshire has withdrawn from the Sochi Winter Olympics following her training crash which left her hospitalised with concussion.

Cheshire, who later posted a photograph of her injuries on social networking site Twitter, was taken to hospital after she was knocked out during Sunday practice at the Rosa Khutor Extreme Park.

The 18-year-old was kept there overnight after falling on her face and it was unsure if she would be able to make her Olympic debut on Thursday.

However, head coach Pat Sharples indicated it would be too soon for Cheshire to compete. Emma Lonsdale is now the sole GB athlete competing in the women's event.

"We are relieved that Rowan is on the mend but naturally upset for her that she won't be able to compete in Sochi," Sharples told BBC Sport. "Rowan is only 18 and has a bright future ahead of her. I have no doubt she will back in four years' time more determined than ever."

Team GB chief medical officer Niall Elliot said: "With a concussion injury there needs to be a rest period followed by a graduated return to play phase. The time scale is unfortunately too tight for Rowan."

On Monday morning, she posted this on her Twitter feed:

Wasn't the best day yesterday, still don't remember much! Thanks everyone for the lovely messages pic.twitter.com/qVG8eET3BV

— Rowan Cheshire (@Rowan_C_) February 17, 2014

Warm temperatures have forced Sochi organisers to cancel and reschedule training in order to preserve the pipe; skiers trained on Friday but were kept off it on Saturday, before being allowed to resume their preparations on Sunday.

In January, Cheshire won her first major honour when she claimed the gold medal at a World Cup event in Calgary - becoming the first British skier to win a halfpipe gold.

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