The Sport Matrix: Wednesday 15 April 2015

Pearson switches sport in 2016 plan

Paralympic discus champion Josie Pearson has taken up hand-cycling in her aim to compete at a third Games, in Rio next year.

The 29-year-old Briton won gold in the F51/52/53 discus at London 2012, breaking three world records. But as the discus is no longer part of the Paralympic programme, Pearson has had to make the switch.

“It’s going to be tough but there’s the potential I could be bringing back more bling for GB,” said Pearson, who was also a member of Team GB’s wheelchair rugby team at Beijing 2008.

Deila: Johansen must stay at Celtic

Celtic manager Ronny Deila feels Stefan Johansen should ignore interest from German clubs and remain in Scotland. “Stefan has a big potential and has been at Celtic for less than a year and a half,” Deila said ahead of tonight’s match with Kilmarnock. “He’s starting to be a leader. He can improve more here. He’s a player I want to build a future around and that’s why I’m not interested in talking about a move to Germany or Italy.”

Brownlees could race in home town

Olympic medallists Alistair and Jonny Brownlee could get the chance to compete in a major event in their home city after Leeds was chosen as the British candidate to stage a round of the World Triathlon Series. British Triathlon announced the decision after a consultation period which involved the Browlee brothers advising on the potential route.

Van Gaal secures shorter US tour

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal’s complaints about the length of pre-season tours appear to have had an effect. United are expected to announce they will return to the United States this summer – but on a shorter schedule than last year. Organisers of the International Champions Cup say the event will be on a smaller scale. It means United’s tour will last around two weeks rather than three.

Millers must ignore deduction threat

Rotherham manager Steve Evans will not let his relegation-threatened side get distracted by a potential points deduction after the club were charged with playing Farrend Rawson in last week’s 1-0 win over Brighton after his loan from Derby had expired. The club now face a disciplinary hearing. “I was gobsmacked when I found out,” said Evans, whose team play fellow strugglers Fulham tonight. “We have to just get on with it.”