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Four years ago in Sochi John Jackson piloted his four-man crew to a fifth place finish, just one tenth of a second off a medal.
Two Russian crews ahead of them have subsequently been linked to doping, but the British bobbers still do not know for sure whether they will get their bronze medal.
And Grenadier Guardsman Deen, who won a World Cup silver medal earlier this season, is a man on a mission to make amends.
“It’s heartbreaking for Jacko and that team – they are still in a limbo about that medal. They are Olympic medallists in our eyes but they’ve not got the medal and it’s four years now,” he said.
“I learned my driving from John, I get my values in this sport from him. Watching him told me how to deal with situations and cope with pressure. He was a tremendously talented pilot and he’s still a source of brilliant advice for me.”
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The 37-year-old’s upbringing couldn’t be further removed from the rarified mountain air he competes in this month.
Brought up in a tough inner-city neighbourhood in Manchester, he claims he could easily have opted for a life of crime had he not joined the army.
“I wasn’t the most disciplined kid, the Army taught me that,” he admitted.
Despite his first World Cup podium, Deen has revealed the last few months have been difficult. Recent results have been disappointing, while popular team member Bruce Tasker suffered a stroke and had to withdraw from the Games.
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And then there are the allegations of bullying and discrimination in the sport, with key coaches quitting at the start of this Olympic season.
“It’s been tough since the last Olympics, but it’s united the team,” insists Deen. “We got through the hard times, tough results and we’ve come into this season kicking it. We’re ready to prove ourselves now where it matters.”
Watch Lamin Deen on February 24 on Eurosport 1 and Eurosport Player. Don’t miss a moment of the Olympic Winter Games on Eurosport and Eurosport Player. Go to www.eurosport.co.uk.
