Takayama misses out on becoming double Olympian

Juri Takayama has missed out on her bid to become the fifth Japanese athlete to compete in both the Summer and Winter Olympics.

Takayama, a pitcher for Japan's softball team at the Sydney Olympics, was looking to become a member of Japan's national bobsled team for the Vancouver Olympics, but failed to make the team.

Recruited by Japan's bobsled and luge federation, Takayama was hoping to become a pusher in the two-crew event.

Shino Manami and Asazu Konami will represent Japan in Vancouver.