Where to Ski And Snowboard - Williams slides to GB gold

Williams slides to GB gold

20th February 2010, by Chris Gill

Amy Williams takes gold [Vancouver2010]

Amy Williams has won skeleton Olympic gold in Whistler, Britain’s first individual gold medallist in 30 years.

Celebrations are underway at the sliding centre, where Williams (27) put in a tremendous performance in all four heats of the women’s skeleton competition. Her combined time was 3:35:64, a wide margin from the second and third places.

Williams led after the first two rounds on Thursday, then gave a storming slide to set a new track record of 53:83. The World Champion silver medallist was the last to go in the final round, holding a two second margin.

The start was fast and Williams held a superb line and speed throughout the run to win by clear margin ahead of German team mates Szymkowaik, who took silver, and Anja Huber winning the bronze medal.

Meanwhile, Canada’s favourite Melissa Hollingsworth had a poor final run to put her out of the medals. Britain’s 2006 Turin silver medallist Shelley Rudman, who had not felt comfortable with the course initially, gave an excellent last run to move her into sixth place overall.

Williams’s medal is even more special as it becomes Britain’s second solo gold since Robin Cousins won the men’s individual ice dancing in 1980.

The official skeleton medal ceremony will take place on Saturday.

Congratulations Amy!