Saturday 17th February 2018 was an unforgettable day for everyone in Great Britain. On this day, Lizzy Yarnold made Great British history by successfully defending her Olympic title in the Skeleton event in PyeongChang - crowning her the most successful British Winter Olympian ever!
On Wednesday 18th April, Lizzy and her family and friends, alongside many news reporters, travelled through Sevenoaks, Otford, Eynsford, Swanley, Horton Kirby and West Kingsdown (Kent) on a victory bus tour to celebrate her spectacular sporting success.
I was lucky enough to talk to Lizzy about what it takes to be the best in the sporting world.
How does it feel to be the most successful British Winter Olympian of all time?
“It is funny when people say it to me because it is still a surprise. Even though I’ve got the medal, it doesn’t necessarily feel real. Especially because when I went to PyeongChang, my second Winter Olympic Games, I didn’t think that I could medal. It was really tough getting there, so to perform well on the day was a relief.”
As you hurtle down the track at speeds of up to 90mph, what goes through your mind?
“Generally, I have a clear mind. First of all, I am thinking about pushing as quickly as I can; so being explosive and powerful and psyching myself up for that. Once I jump on the sled, I am just laying down, relaxed, connecting with the sled and focused on all the steers I have to do. Corner one, the steers, corner two, the steers, so it is pinpoint accuracy.”
As a Double Olympic Champion, what sacrifices have you made along the way, in order to achieve your success?
“Probably too many to mention. As I am sat here now my back is quite sore. So, there are lots of injuries and illnesses that you have - just pushing yourself; if you want to be the best in the world, you have to push your body and mind to the limit. Travelling around the world, six months of the year, although it is fantastic, I miss my family and friends, but it is all worth it.”
If you could step back in time and relive one moment of your life, what would it be?
“Probably, back doing athletics training. I would be at Tonbridge Athletics Club, a couple of nights a week, Crystal Palace, Ashford and Canterbury. I love those long Sunday morning sessions, when you have four hours to train properly and do things right.”
What advice would you give to anyone who is aiming to become a sports star?
“I would say that it is great now that as a female and a male you can make sport your career, so you can get funding and focus on it full-time, which you couldn’t have done 20 years ago. But I would say, try lots of different sports through your teens, learn the key things: goal setting, determination and failure and always enjoy sport. But never give up on your ultimate dream, whatever that is.”
Emily Hollands, Farringtons School
