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Winter Olympics 2014: John Baines called up to replace Craig Pickering in two-man bobsleigh

Baines was originally due to compete in the four-man competition but will now double-up in the two-man form with Lamin Deen

Agency
Wednesday 12 February 2014 09:22 GMT
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John Baines will replace Craig Pickering in the two-man bobsleigh after he was ruled out through a back injury
John Baines will replace Craig Pickering in the two-man bobsleigh after he was ruled out through a back injury (GETTY IMAGES)

Four-man bobsleigh athlete John Baines has been selected to compete in the two-man event for Great Britain with Lamin Deen in place of Craig Pickering.

Baines, who was in the GBR2 four-man team, got the nod on Wednesday. He steps in after Pickering was forced to pull out of the Sochi Winter Olympics due to a back injury.

The duo raced together as GBR2 in the two-man event in the Americas Cup this season and achieved a number of top 10 results.

Baines said: "Going to the games has always been my dream and now I'm finally here I can say hard work and determination pays off.

"Training and racing with Craig over the past year has been a honour, and when I race this weekend I will do him proud. I have competed in the two man on World Cup before and achieved top 10 results and feel confident for the weekend."

Team GB bobsleigh team leader Gary Anderson: "I know that John can step up here and has been seeking this chance for some time. He now has the chance to show the world what he is capable of."

The two-man event takes place on Sunday and Monday.

PA

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