Olympic medallist Bruce Tasker has been named Team Leader for the British Bobsleigh programme ahead of Beijing 2022.
Tasker, who made more than 100 bobsled appearances for Great Britain over seven years, won bronze at Sochi 2014 alongside John Jackson, Stu Benson and Joel Fearon.
A stroke a month before the 2018 Olympics forced him to miss the PyeongChang Games, with the 33-year-old officially retiring from the sport in October of the same year.
But Tasker is now back at the sharp end, with the Beijing Games now just 170 days away.
He will lead the team at the Games themselves in six months’ time and will also head up the elite programme between now and Beijing.
“I'm really excited to be back involved with British Bobsleigh, especially with this talented group of athletes,” he said.
🥉🥉🥉🥉
— Team GB (@TeamGB) November 21, 2019
Let’s hear it for our four-man bobsleigh team - Sochi 2014 bronze medallists
Congrats @JohnJacksonGB @StuBensonGB @Bruce_Bobsleigh @JoelFearon6 👏 pic.twitter.com/bde4F1CrXq
“The depth of ability and athleticism within the squads now is the highest standard I have ever seen and I have no doubt that we have some of the best athletes in the world.
“I don't believe anything radical needs to be done - the athletes are all experienced and have been training with Beijing as the focus for three years already.”
Following his retirement, Tasker started coaching with the Royal Navy, re-joining the British programme as a coach during the 2019/2020 season.
Alongside his Olympic exploits, Tasker has also tasted World Cup, Europa Cup and North American Cup success during his sliding career.
In 2016, he and Fearon secured Great Britain’s best two-man result at the World Championships, finishing fourth.
While individuals crews will still use their own coaching staff, Tasker will also work closely with each unit in an effort to draw the most out of Team GB’s bobsledders.
“We are delighted to appoint Bruce as Olympic Team Leader for Bobsleigh,” said BBSA chair Joanna Poulton.
“He is well respected by athletes and coaches in Great Britain and across the world and he has a great knowledge of the sport.
“Bruce enjoyed a stellar career as an athlete and, although he is relatively new to coaching and management, he has already had a significant impact since his appointment was announced internally.
“He knows what it takes to succeed at the very highest level and I am sure his experience, expertise and enthusiasm will be a real benefit in the build-up to the Games and in Beijing itself."