Walker and Jackson secure top eight World Cup finishes

Paula Walker and Rebekah Wilson claimed their second consecutive top eight finish at the bobsleigh World Cup in Utah.

The British duo, former world junior champions, posted the same eighth place finish on Friday and are now well established inside the top ten of the world rankings.

Elana Mayers and Aja Evans followed up on their win 24 hours earlier with another victory as American crews swept the podium for the first time at a World Cup since 2001.

Jamie Greubel and Olympic sprint hurdler Lolo Jones took second ahead of team-mates Jazmine Fenalator and Lauryn Williams.

Meanwhile, Great Britain's John Jackson recorded his best finish this season with an eighth place alongside Craig Pickering, Bruce Tasker and Joel Fearon in the men's four event.

Jackson, who finished last season ranked sixth in the world, is still recovering from the Achilles injury that threatened to derail his Olympic campaign so pushing into the top ten will be a major encouragement.

American Steve Holcomb piloted his first choice US sled to victory ahead of Germany and Russia but Jackson was the second quickest driver on the second run.

Elsewhere, British skeleton slider Rose McGrandle won her second straight race in the Intercontinental Cup, setting another track record in Igls.

McGrandle is hoping to force her way into the thoughts of selectors when they reassess their World Cup squad later this month.

© Sportsbeat 2013