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Elizabeth (Lizzy) YarnoldBritish skeleton athlete
Date of Birth: 31.10.1988
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Elizabeth Yarnold: British Skeleton Champion
- Transition to Skeleton
- National and International Success
- Olympic Triumph
- Legacy and Residence
Elizabeth Yarnold: British Skeleton Champion
Early Life and EducationElizabeth Yarnold was born in Kent, England, and studied at the University of Gloucester. Her interest in sports stemmed from Denise Lewis' performance at the Sydney Olympics, inspiring her to pursue heptathlon.
Transition to Skeleton
In 2008, Yarnold's athletic potential was recognized by the 'Girls4Gold' program. Initially considering equestrianism, she was identified as a talented skeleton racer. Her debut competition took place in 2010, where she quickly achieved back-to-back victories in the European Cup.
National and International Success
Yarnold's impressive performance earned her a spot on the British national team, and she debuted in the FIBT rankings at position 35. Through consistent training and skill development, she rose to 9th place in the 2011-2012 World Cup. In 2012, she became the World Junior Champion and secured bronze at the World Championships.
Olympic Triumph
Dubbing her sled 'Mervyn' after former colleague Mervyn Sugden, Yarnold entered the 2012-2013 season with renewed determination. Her strong performances culminated in a controversial victory at the Calgary World Cup. Despite challenges posed by American competitor Noelle Pikus-Pace, Yarnold ultimately emerged victorious in the final race at Königssee.
In the 2014 Winter Olympics, Yarnold dominated the competition, setting new track records in all four runs. She became the first British athlete to win a gold medal in skeleton, breaking a 90-year Olympic drought.
Legacy and Residence
Elizabeth Yarnold's Olympic triumph continued a British tradition of success in women's skeleton. She currently resides in Bath, Somerset, where she lives in the former home of Olympic skeleton champion Amy Williams.
