Tributes paid to Olympic bobsleigher Malcolm 'Gomer' Lloyd

Malcolm Gomer Lloyd, pictured in 1979

Tributes have been paid following the death of a Welsh bobsleigher who represented Great Britain at the Winter Olympics in the 1970s and 80s.

Malcolm "Gomer" Lloyd, 68, from Penllergaer, Swansea, took part in bobsleigh events at four Olympics, coming 10th in Sarajevo 1984.

He coached teams from the UK, US, Canada, Italy and Russia and was still in charge of the Korean team when he died on Sunday.

He was taken ill while on a cruise.

Investigations showed he had had cancer

Mr Lloyd, who had made his home in Canada, became friends with Prince Albert of Monaco while coaching his team.

The British Bobsleigh & Skeleton Association (BBSA) paid tribute saying his achievements as a coach included guiding Nicola Minichiello and Gillian Cooke to World Championship glory in Lake Placid 2009.

"Bobsleigh has lost one of its finest characters," said Great Britain bobsleigh performance director, Gary Anderson.

"Gomer had a true passion for the sport and he was always willing to assist and pass on his knowledge. Great Britain have so much to thank him for and he will be greatly missed."

BBSA's chief executive Richard Parker added: "We are saddened to learn of the death of Gomer Lloyd - a man who played an important and impressive role in this country's proud bobsleigh history.

"We are very grateful for all his efforts over so many years and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."