Mica McNeill says British bobsleighers 'powered by the people'

Great Britain bobsleigher Mica McNeill said her team had been "powered by the people" as they reached their £30,000 crowdfunding target after the national governing body withdrew funding.

And she believes they can win a Winter Olympic medal in Pyeongchang next year.

The money raised via public donations means McNeill and team-mate Mica Moore, both 24, can compete at the World Cup.

McNeill said: "We need to make everyone who has supported us proud and make sure the money does not go to waste."

She added the financial backing was "overwhelming" and meant she and Moore could have a "clear mind" and "focus on performing".

"We are powered by the people and it is them who will be pushing us down the track," said McNeill, from Consett, County Durham.

"I truly believe we will win an Olympic medal, whether it is in this cycle or the next.

"I am committed to Pyeongchang and the next Winter Olympics in Beijing and I am prepared to do what it takes to get there.

"Knowing we have so much support behind us makes it all the more special."

McNeill, who won the world junior title with Moore in January, said the women's team had been told there was "no money" for their programme.

The British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association, which faced accusations of racism earlier this year, is the country's best-funded winter sport governing body, and intends to continue supporting three men's teams on its performance programme.

In a statement last week, it said: "The GB Bobsleigh programme is currently focusing resources on winning medals at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.

"We are actively seeking commercial funding to further support our world-class programme and we will continue to do so."

Olympic skeleton champion Lizzy Yarnold last week accused the governing body of "mismanagement" over the decision to withdraw funding.

Analysis

BBC Sport Olympic reporter Nick Hope

To compete on the world circuit this season, £30,000 is the bare minimum that McNeill and her team think they need. So, even though they have hit that target, the more they can raise, the better their preparations will be.

That money will just about cover travel between races for McNeill and two pilots, but also for the movement of the sled. Race fees, insurance and potentially medical support also have to come from that pot.

Having achieved three results in the top 66% of the field last season, she just needs to maintain a top-30 ranking in the World Cup circuit this season, which will be a formality now she has the funds.