Minichiello has been told not to start full training for several months following an operation on her left knee and so will not defend her title at the World Championships in February 2011.

The 32-year-old from Sheffield had suffered the injury while preparing for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

The former heptathlete now plans to concentrate on her recovery so she can begin preparations for the 2014 Olympics in Sochi.

"Obviously I am really disappointed at having to miss the season - but my goal has to be the Olympics in Sochi and a well structured and long rehabilitation programme and a well managed return to competition is key to my long term success," said Minichiello.

"This year was the best time to get this operation done giving me a good length of time to get back to the top.

Minichiello and Gillian Cooke became Britain's first female bobsleigh world champions at the 2009 World Championships in Lake Placid but had a disappointing time at this year's Games.

They were 10th after two runs and did not compete in the fourth after Cooke injured her leg and their sled was damaged in a crash.

British Bobsleigh performance director Gary Anderson said it was a major blow that Minichiello could not defend her world title at next year's championships in Konigssee, Germany.

"However, the most important thing is that she returns to the sport fully fit," he said.

"The 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi are the objective for Nic and we cannot afford to rush to get this wrong."


Related stories
February 2010: Bad day for British world champions as Olympic dreams die
January 2010: Minichiello needs eye surgery to keep Olympic dream in focus
February 2009: British bobsleigh team lift world title for first time since 1965