Golden girl Amy returns to action on the ice
University of Bath-based athlete Amy Williams showed a glimpse of the talent and determination that made her Olympic skeleton champion by producing the third fastest run of the day on her return to competition at the Igls World Cup today (Friday).
The 28-year-old took a break from competition following her gold medal winning performance at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games almost a year ago.
She finished 12th overall in World Cup five on her return to the ice in Austria today. With a poor start position based on her lack of World Cup points to date this season, Amy was 17th after the first run.
But the University of Bath Sports Performance graduate produced the second fastest second run, and the third fastest run of the day, to climb to 12th overall.
“I’m a bit disappointed, but it’s what expected and predicted,” she said. “I can’t remember the last time I was that low in a race. I was last off in the first run, and the ice had really slowed down in the 45 minutes since the first person went. It was really sticky. It takes a while to get fully back into the race routine.
“I felt much more like myself on the second run,” she added. “I had a really solid run and put down a quick time. I was really pleased with the way I drove it. I could feel the difference and it was good to move up so many places.
“I’ve got to think of the second run and be positive. I’ve still got that drive inside me. I want to be better and I know I can be,” she added.
There was success for the University of Bath-based British Skeleton programme with Shelley Rudman continuing her fine season by taking silver in Igls, while team-mate Donna Creighton, who trains the University, came sixth. Germany’s Anja Huber took gold.
Amy represents Great Britain in the team event and then it’s off to Winterberg in Germany for the sixth round of the World Cup on 22 January, a race that also doubles as the European Championships.
The University of Bath has a skeleton push-start track and is the headquarters of Britain’s skeleton programme as well as boasting £30 million in world-class sports facilities which are backed by cutting edge sports support services.
Members of the media who require further information can contact the TeamBath Press Office at Matchtight Ltd on (01225) 383518 or 01225 443998 or see the TeamBath website at www.teambath.com
