Brad Hall and Nick Gleeson crashed on their penultimate run of the two-man bobsleigh in Yanqing as Great Britain’s Winter Olympics nightmare continued.
Hall and Gleeson’s sled overturned coming out of the 13th curve and they slid over the finish line with their helmets brushing along the ice.
The Britons – who had started the final day of competition in 11th place after the first two runs, 1.36 seconds off the lead – both emerged apparently unscathed.
Brad Hall and Nick Gleeson crashed on their penultimate run of the two-man bobsleigh
The Team GB bobsleigh duo were trying to close the gap between themselves and the leaders when they suffered a nasty crash during their third run at the Beijing Winter Olympics.
The pair headed into the third run in 11th place after the first two heats. They were eager to finish the race in a medal position.
Hall was responsible for driving the bobsleigh and Gleeson was the designated brakeman. The pair came out of C12 having successfully completed a clean run.
They were travelling at 83mph when they came out of 13 and flipped their bobsleigh
However, Hall started to lose control on the chicane, which is a straightaway with curves. This section of the track has proven to be particularly difficult for bobsled athletes as they make contact with the tight curves.
The pair were travelling at 83mph when they came out of C13 and flipped their 375 pound sled onto it’s side.
The duo remained inside their bobsleigh as it slid down the rest of the track towards the finish line. They tried to tuck their heads in to stay safe but their helmets were seen scrapping along the ice.
Medics and event officials ran onto the ice to help them athletes once the bobsleigh stopped
Medics and event officials raced onto the ice to help the Team GB athletes once the bobsleigh came to a stop.
Thankfully, the pair walked away from the incident unhurt and will be able to compete in the fourth and final run. They will also be cleared to take part in the four-man bobsleigh competition later this month.
Additionally, the Olympic-sized bobsled – which can cost around £22,155 – remained in tact. The hull, which is made of fiberglass, remained in one piece and two sets of runners appeared to go undamaged.
Sports commentator Martin Haven revealed how there have been ‘lots of crashes’ on C13 in training but admitted this was the fist in the race
Sports commentator Martin Haven revealed how there have been ‘lots of crashes’ on C13 in training but admitted this was the fist in the race.
‘He’s hanging it out for speed, desperate to make the top 10,’ said Haven on Eurosport commentary as Hall battled to control his fallen sled.
‘There is the danger out of Corner 13, lots of crashes in training. That is the first one we’ve seen in the race.
‘Nick giving Brad a big hug. Don’t worry mate, it happens. It’s racing, that’s what it is. This is not gently driving down the track, this is 75mph, absolutely on the ragged edge.’
Thankfully, the pair walked away from the incident unhurt and will be able to compete in the fourth and final run of the two-man bobsleigh
Two-time Olympic bobsledder Jack Johnson said he felt sorry for Hall as he had experienced the game fate in 2010. He told BBC Sport: ‘I completely feel for Brad Hall and Nick.
‘I went through this in 2010 and it broke my heart. You are here, you are fighting, you are doing your best, you are representing your country.
‘The main thing is, other than damaged pride is the guys look really good. I just hope Brad can forget about this now over the next few days and step into the four-man and take that as a chance to bring the medal home.’
Remarkably, Hall and Gleeson’s crash was not determinantal to their standing – they only lost about a half a second and dropped to 13th place.
