Romesh Ranganathan backs ex-pupil at Winter Olympics

Comedian Romesh Ranganathan has wished good luck to a former pupil of his who is to compete at the Winter Olympics.

While working as a teacher, Ranganathan taught Brad Hall, 35, maths at Hazelwick School in Crawley, West Sussex.

He said he had a "particular interest" in Hall as he prepares to represent Team GB in the four-man bobsleigh due to their connection.

"One of my fondest memories was Brad saying to me, 'Mr Ranganathan, genuinely, you are a hero and a role model, and I am going to compete for Team GB as a direct result of your influence'," the comic joked.

Jane Hall said her stepson took Ranganathan down a bobsleigh run in St Moritz, Switzerland, in the summer as a "pay back" for all the homework he had given him.

Ahead of the event on Saturday and Sunday, the Olympians sister, Hania Hall, said her fingers were crossed for success.

"I have high hopes for them," she told BBC Radio Sussex.

His stepmother added that was "on tenterhooks" in anticipation.

"I am so nervous and excited," she said.

"He practises at the University of Bath, where he goes down a wooden slope, and he pushes down a cage that's supposed to represent the bobsleigh."

Hall, who was born in Chichester, will compete alongside teammates Greg Cackett, from Redhill in Surrey, Taylor Lawrence, from Thanet in Kent, and Leon Greenwood, from Batley in West Yorkshire.

Hall previously competed at the 2018 and 2022 Winter Olympics and has won medals at European and World Championships.

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