18.02 Concussed British Skier Withdraws From Sochi Olympics

ROSA KHUTOR, February 18 (R-Sport) – British halfpipe skier Rowan Cheshire has withdrawn from the Sochi Olympics after a training crash left her concussed, the British team said.

Cheshire, 18, had been seen as a contender for a medal until she fell on her face during practice Sunday and spent the night in hospital.

The skier, from Stoke-on-Trent, is unable to recover in time to compete Thursday, the British team’s chief medical officer Niall Elliott 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,” he said.

Cheshire made a name for herself this season with strong performances in the World Cup, including her first win last month in Calgary.