Tom Killin will not be part of the wheelchair curling team at the Sochi Paralympic Games.

Statement on ParalympicsGB Wheelchair Curling Squad

2 hours ago

ParalympicsGB has today announced that, due to ill health, Tom Killin will not be part of the wheelchair curling team at the Sochi Paralympic Games. He will be replaced by Jim Gault.

Tom fell ill a few days ago and medical advice is that he will not be fit enough to travel and then train in the lead up to the Paralympic Games. The recommendation from British Curling’s Selection Panel is therefore that Tom is de-selected and replaced by Jim Gault. This decision has subsequently been ratified by the British Paralympic Association’s Qualification and Selection Panel.
Gault, from Lossiemouth in Morayshire, took up Wheelchair Curling in 2008. He has competed for Team Scotland at the 2012 World Championships and has been part of the GB squad for the last four years.

"Our motto is ‘best prepared’ and the strength in depth that this squad has demonstrates that." Penny Briscoe 

Commenting on the decision, ParalympicsGB Chef de Mission, Penny Briscoe said:
“We are very disappointed for Tom that his opportunity to compete in Sochi has gone at this late stage.  We all wish him a speedy recovery and knowing that he’ll be cheering us on will, I’m sure, spur the team on. Jim is a really fantastic replacement and we’re delighted to be welcoming him onto the team. Our motto is ‘best prepared’ and the strength in depth that this squad has demonstrates that.”
Tony Zummack, Head Coach of the Wheelchair Curling team, said:
“We are devastated for Tom. He has trained very hard over the last four years to prepare for the Paralympic Games and he is incredibly disappointed that he is not in a position to compete. However, we have to make the best decision for Tom’s health and for the team as a whole and this unfortunately means that Tom will not join us in Sochi.

"Jim is a fantastic player and he has been part of the GB Wheelchair Curling squad for several years now." Tony Zummack 

“Jim is a fantastic player and he has been part of the GB Wheelchair Curling squad for several years now, so he’s knows the team, our tactics and our plans inside out. He only narrowly missed out on selection for the team, so I have every confidence that he will slot in smoothly and will be a great asset to our team performances in Sochi.”

"I have just been given an amazing opportunity to represent my country on the biggest stage in disability sport." Jim Gault 

Wheelchair curler Jim Gault said:
“I’ve trained and competed alongside Tom as a team-mates for several years so I know how hard we all trained and how much he wanted to represent ParalympicsGB once more so of course I am really upset for Tom. At the same time, I have just been given an amazing opportunity to represent my country on the biggest stage in disability sport and of course I am looking forward to it. I just want do my very best for the team and put in some great performances on the ice.”
Biography of Jim Gault
Name: Jim Gault
Events: Wheelchair Curling
Home Town: Lossiemouth, Morayshire
Lives: Lossiemouth, Morayshire
Date of Birth: 24/04/1954
Jim first started playing in 2008 and has been part of the squad for the last four years. He was part of the Team Scotland line-up that competed at the 2012 World Championships in Chuncheon, South Korea, where the team finished 8th.
Jim competes for Moray alongside fellow GB athlete Gregor Ewan.