Winter Olympics 2018: Bruce Tasker insists minor stroke will not stop him receiving 2014 bobsleigh medal

Tasker has been ruled out of competing in the 2018 Games

Bruce Tasker is expected to make a full recovery from a minor stroke (Getty Images)

British bobsledder Bruce Tasker insists a minor stroke will not stop him receiving a retrospective Winter Olympic medal in PyeongChang next month if the opportunity arises.

Tasker has been ruled out of competing in the Games after suffering a minor stroke last Thursday, but is expected to make a full recovery.

And the 30-year-old says he is still ready and able to jump on a plane to South Korea if there is a chance of being awarded his belated bronze medal from Sochi 2014.

Tasker was part of the four-man crew which finished in fifth place four years ago and is in line for an upgrade after two Russian crews that finished ahead of them were handed doping bans.

And the International Olympic Committee has indicated its desire to re-award the medals in PyeongChang provided the sanctions are upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport later this month.

Tasker said: “I’m fit to travel. If there was any chance of receiving a medal out there in PyeongChang with my team-mates, I’d definitely be keen to do that.”

Tasker won a bronze medal in a World Cup race in Park City earlier this season but has been back in England recuperating from a series of low-level injuries.

He attended Wexham Park Hospital after suffering symptoms of dizziness and nausea, and was subsequently transferred to the stroke unit in High Wycombe on Saturday.

Tasker added: “I’m gutted not to be able to conclude the four-year cycle by going to the Olympics but I’m very grateful that I’m still fit and healthy.

“I’m still sore but, otherwise, I feel fine. I’m set to make a 100 per cent recovery and I already feel as though I’m most of the way there.”

Tasker has no intention of retiring from top-level sport and is expected to resume training with the squad later this year.

GB Bobsleigh performance director Chris Price said: “The last few days have been worrying for all who know and care for Bruce but we are naturally delighted that he is on course to make a full recovery.”

PA