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British Halfpipe Contender Withdraws from Olympics After Concussion

British freestyle skiing halfpipe medal contender Rowan Cheshire has withdrawn from the Sochi Olympics after she sustained a concussion during a training crash, the British team said.

Cheshire, who is 18 years old, was regarded as a medal contender until she fell on her face during practice on 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.

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