A BEAUTIFULL POEM WRITTEN FOR ME

I want to share with you this beautiful poem that a young boy wrote and sent to me in the post, it sums my whole experience up from the Olympics, even though I had never met him before.

Nervously she waited, waited, waited,
Nervously she waited above the frozen track.
She knew that she had trained enough,
And God was helping her above,
But inside she still felt nervous.
And she began to think no less
Of horrors that might make a mess

Amy Williams was her name
She had yet to achieve great fame.
The event she does is skeleton,
A treacherous, tight, terrifying run.
Nobody knew the girl from Bath,
But that would turn into a laugh,
If this girl could get the one gold,
Then her great story would be told.

Her first go was a beauty run,
She wizzed down...she was having fun.
Down the icy track she sped.
The blades of her fantastic sled
Were flying down the track at speed.
She did nothing but pray and plead.

Amy crossed the line in first place,
And broke a record in this case.
She lined up for her second run,
Waved to her proud dad and mum,
Before zooming down the awesome track.
The speed, she really did not lack
She crossed the line, the icy line,
And found she had a leading time.

Amy went to bed that night,
And began to think she ruled the fight.
She had just two runs left in front,
And all was down to those two stunts,
To get the only skeleton gold,
Of which her story would be told.

Her third attempt, a record run,
Now only one to go to be done.
She stood in the hut and prayed,
The top of the run is where she stayed,
Until it was her final go.
Down she went with a flow.

She flew round corners 1,2,3,
a super, stunning sight to see.
The line was crossed,
The medal was won,
The flowers were tossed,
And Amy's job was done.

FT Twin Peak Challenge

I have become the ambassador for Action against hunger, and great charity which support and helps out children all over the world in over 40 different countries. Their mission is to save lives by eliminating hunger through the prevention, detection and treatment of malnutrition, especially during and after emergency situations of conflict, war and natural disaster.
On the 7th November I took part in the FT London Twin Peak Challenge. Joining participants in a race to the top of two of London’s most iconic buildings –The Broadgate Tower and CityPoint, climbing a staggering 1,512 steps. We all gathered on a very chilling morning and after a fun warm up together, I said a few words of encouragement before the challenge took place. Wow the climb was alot tougher then i thought! To be a part of London’s first double tower run was a real achievement and, more importantly, the money raised from this event went to an incredibly important cause. So make sure next year you sign up to the challenge as it provides a fantastic opportunity to take part in the ultimate tower running event, whilst helping malnourished children around the world.

British Olympic Ball

What a wonderful event this was, The first event that I managed to get a date...my lovely boyfriend Petr, who came over from Prague to join me. It was my first time at the event, which was celebration of the Best of British in Olympic sport, and serves as a critical fundraiser for the British Olympic Association to support our nation’s current and future Olympic athletes. I auctioned off a day with me on the ice track in Igls, Austria so one brave person will be getting a lesson from me on the ice and will hopefully enjoy their first taste of my sport!

Volunteer for London 2012

At 4am the other day I had a car waiting outside my house waiting to make it to TV Centre for BBC Breakfast news. As an ambassador for the London 2012 Volunteering Programme I was encouraging the general public to support and get behind the programme - become a London Games Maker! We are aiming to get 70,000 Londoners to sign up as volunteers. It‘s hugely important to the success of the games and it is one of the big things I remember about Vancouver. It was something for the whole nation and it will be the same here with the bubble of excitement growing in and around London and at the different venues. Obviously there are only so many people who can compete and be competitive but what a good way to help with the experience and to be part of it. Hopefuls must be at least 18 on January 1, 2012, available to volunteer for at least 10 days during either the Olympic Games or the Paralympic Games and at least three days of training before the events....so go and sign up on www.london2012.com

BGC Partners Charity Day

The BGC Partners Charity Day in Canary Wharf on 13th September was an amazing event. It was started five years ago to commemorate those killed during the September 11 terrorist attacks on New York. Lots of celebrites turn up to support & man the phones, helping raise money for all the charities. There was also the opportunity for many of the children who will benefit from the money raised, to meet the stars doing all the hard work for them. Although there were some technical problems, notably when the telephone system went down late in the morning, it didn‘t stop too much trading and commission earnings for the charities. I had my chance to pick up a phone…oh help that was scary, a blur of numbers is shouted at me and I had no idea what to do! I did have someone whispering in my ear telling me what to say and at the end even though it made no sense at all, I had apparently made several thousand pounds from my few panicky minutes!

GQ Mens Awards

On the 7th September I was invited to the GQ Men of the Year Awards in London, where a host of handsome men in dinner jackets and beautifully dressed women walked the red carpet to the Royal Opera House. I was lucky enough to be able to take two of my close friends with me, who were only too happy to take up the invite! Walking down the red carpet is still such a strange experience, getting shouted at by the photographers and flashes from their cameras blinding you, but it's enjoyable nonetheless! Thank you so much to the Karen Millen store in Bath who dressed me for the evening, I felt amazing in their Signature Print Dress.

BECOME A GAMES MAKER FOR LONDON 2012

Here is the opportunity of a lifetime about to be given to you, why don't you become a London 2012 Games Maker and be one of the faces of London 2012. you will have the unique chance to show what our country is all about, excellence, passion and positivity. In Vancouver my experience of the Volunteers was great, they help me and my team out so much making our time in the Olympics so much easier and less stressful, they were there to help us all day long with a smile on their faces.

There is a wide range of roles for Games Makers so something to suit everyone. Many of these may be behind the scenes or may require you to work at anti-social times. Some Games Makers may have to work off-site in a warehouse distributing uniforms; others will be outside exposed to the elements for hours on end, but all as important as each other.
Sign up today everyone!!

I went to 5 different countries in the space of 4 weeks in August so I'm glad its September now and wont be so much travelling planned, but recently I did take a trip to Gateshead to help out at the UK School Games, which was a Youth Sport Trust event.

It was a major multi-sport event for all elite UK athletes of school age. There were competitions in over 10 different sports as well as opening and closing ceremonies, so it gave the impression and feel of a full scale sporting event, brilliant practice for the children. As Ambassador, my role was to support and offer advice, if required for the young athletes. It’s great to have these big organised events for young athletes so they can get used to the competitive environment to realise their potential in sport and to give them a chance to shine.

SINGAPORE YOUTH OLYMPICS

A few weeks ago I went to Singapore to be part of Team GB at the first Youth Olympic Games.We had a talented team of 39 athletes from all Olympic sports aged 14-18, participating alongside 3,600 competitors from all 205 National Olympic Committees, so a huge competition.

I was out there as an athlete supporter/mentor to inspire and help out with our young team. It was really noticeable from engaging with the athletes how much the games represent a fantastic opportunity for them to compete with other young athletes at the highest level on a global stage. It was my first time in Singapore and I soon discovered how hot, humid and sticky it is there!

Was nice for me to be in shorts and t-shirts in this competitive environment, not the usual layers I’m normally in!

FAMILY VISITORS

I had some extended family visit my parents house a few days ago and they hadn't seen the chunk of metal.. .so some very excited faces took many pictures and were happy to be able to hold a Olympic Gold medal....I promised them I would write about them on my blog....!

ARTEMIS CHALLENGE

On the 3rd August I found myself on a sailing boat, sailing around the Isle of Wight for the Artemis Challenge at Cowes week. I was on board a 60ft top of the range boat (I was told the Ferrari of sailing boats). I was asked if I would be part of the team along with Zara Philips, to help win the race for charity, I did tell the team well in advance (as a warning) that I had never sailed a boat before and that I didn’t have a clue what to do, but they assured me it didn’t matter!

We were given the job of grinder, which means going as fast and as hard as you can almost pedalling your arms around a wheel to get the sails up and down. Zara and I did this together when shouted at by the skipper, but wow that’s hard work.

The whole team on the boat are constantly working together, pulling ropes, changing buttons, looking at the tides, the tactics of other boats, all to get ahead with the best wind. To think that one person does all these jobs at once when they sail around the world is crazy, I have a huge respect for all sailors after my one day out at sea.

It took me hours to stop feeling seasick and to find my land legs again. Thanks to all of the team at Artemis for inviting me and giving the most wonderful experience, my first ever sailing day out, and the first of many I hope (only once I have discovered seasickness tablets!).

HOLIDAY TIME FINALLY

Just over a week ago I got back from Jamaica, where my boyfriend and I finally got to go on holiday, our first break since the Olympics 5 months ago!

The Mail newspaper asked if I would like to do a travel article for them, with Virgin holidays and Sandals Hotels – I said a big fat “yes please” ! Subsequently I took them up on their invite to travel to Jamaica to stay at Sandals Whitehouse European Village and Spa; I mean who wouldn’t say yes to that!!

As soon as we left the plane the heat quickly wafted across our faces and we were welcomed by the friendliest people I have ever come across. I had never visited the country before, but we were both impressed by the hotel, food, and beautiful countryside this amazing place has to offer. One day we went on a tour and visited the YS Falls which are Jamaica’s famous waterfalls, with 7 tiered levels where you can jump off rope swings and even jump off one of the tiers. I have to admit I did have a go, just some extra fear factor training for the skeleton!But what a holiday and what fun!

A FEW BUSY WEEKENDS

I have had a few crazy weekends this past month....

Started off with Royal Ascot, handing out a Trophy and judging the best turned out horse. I was treated so well up in the Royal Enclosure and met many stars from tv and sport. I loved everything moment about the races, walking around the horses, seeing them get ready for the race in the paddock, being able to smell the leather and shine spray on them!

Then I had Wimbledon the following weekend which was equally amazing, it was my first ever tennis match and I was spoilt by watching Serena Williams, Nadal and Murray all on the same day on centre court! Watching the best of the best in tennis right in front of me, seeing and hearing the power at which they hit the ball. Wow.

Yesterday I was at Silverstone for the F1 race, I was lucky to have paddock passes and could walk around and be among the drivers and cars...walking down the Grid was the strangest experience, seeing drivers of another kind to me, how they prepare and watching the team get the cars ready. Schumacher was so calm, and even asked how I was minuets before he was ready to get in his car to drive at a crazy speed! Half wish I could of jumped in the car instead of him!

GLAMOUR AWARDS

Thank you all Glamour readers for voting and giving me the Sportswoman of the year award. It means alot to get something that has been voted for by the general public...so thank you all.

The evening was in Berkeley Square London and was amazing. Again a night full of beautiful men and women from all areas of the showbiz world. Mixing with people such as Lilly Allen, Ferne Cotton and the hunky Jason Lewis or "Smith" from sex and the city!

My award was given to me by David Hayes, I realise as he was saying my name that I hadn't even prepared a speech, and all others that had been up before me were saying long speeches! oh help, i managed to say a few words and then off the stage I went for the interviews and photos behind the stage. Thank you Glamour for the wonderful night and the even more wonderful goodie bags that were delivered to my hotel room....woo it felt like 10 Christmas's all at once!

BAFTA TV AWARDS

How amazing I got asked to give out a BAFTA tv award with Sir Chris Hoy up in London on the 6th of May.We were both pretty scared before heading out onto the stage in front of all those famous people you see on your TV, papers and magazines everyday!!

Ekk....."And the BAFTA goes to..."

But what a experience...my legs were shaking more then getting my medal!

FREEMAN OF BATH

On the 5th of June I was made Freeman of the City of Bath, my home. What a honour to be given. The ceremony was in the abbey in the centre of Bath, and took place during the annual major-making service which saw Councillor Shaun McGall become the 783rd Major of Bath.

Again so many tourists and local people came out to watch and line the streets. the procession was led by the Bath Air Cadets Band and took me through the centre from the Guildhall to the Abbey.

It was humbling to be given this title as I was the first ever female ever to have this given to me, and only the fifth person to be made freeman of Bath since the second world war. I learnt that my name goes on a list which includes great men such as Sir Winston Churchill!!

ARMY SPORTSMANS DINNER

Our Army men and women do an amazing job everyday for us, so when I was asked to go along to the 10th Signal Regiment annual Sportsman’s Dinner on the evening of Thursday 20 May 2010 at Bath Rugby Club I said yes straight away. The main aim of the evening was to congratulate personnel from the Regiment on their sporting achievements, with the main awards being Sport’s Personality of the year and Sport’s Team of the year, and also to raise money for the Army Benevolent Fund.
So many items had been given by football teams, rugby balls signed and memorabilia given, All of which were being auctioned off.

Hearing the achievements of certain individuals that evening was still an inspiration to me, to listen to what sport can do to many people, handing out the awards to the men and women and seeing what it meant to those receiving them made for a good evening.

SCHOOL PLAYGROUND OPENING

On the 2oth May I was asked if I would be able to go to a local Primary School in Oldfield Park, Bath and open up their new playground.
Alot of money had been raised to build and make a huge big wooden boat structure that the children would be able to play on and enjoy in safety.
All the children were out in the playground when I arrived and were singing to me, it was the sweetest welcome I have had. I was asked lots of questions from them about the Olympics, sport and my life and ambitions. Surprisingly I almost find it harder to think of answers to children then to adults, I am aware so much that the children see me as a role model and soak up my every word, to see the look on their faces when they see me and get to touch my medal makes me realise the huge excitement it brings to people.

MY LION

Its not long now till you will see the City of Bath covered in beautiful Lions. Each one has been lovingly painted by a different artist. The artist can chose what story they decide to share with you and paint on the lion for everyone to see. There are 100 in total that will all soon be placed in different positions around the city...they will look amazing. Your have to go on a trail and count how many you get to see.

We had the official launch of them this week at the Royal Crescent hotel in Bath where I got to meet a selected few...they are awesome, all together they create quite a magical sight to see.

My Lion will be outside the Bath Rugby shop on Pultney Bridge I believe so look out for him and give him a pat for me...although watch out..he does get hungry!

LONDON LUNCH

I was invited to a lunch in London the next day after the Sports Industry Awards, after a very late night it was lovely to be fed some beautiful food at the Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park. Bar Boulud, a french inspired bistro, is newly opened under the direction of the illustrious Lyon born Chef Daniel Boulud.
The Daily Telegraph hosted this event in honour of Helen Skelton, Britain's amazing adventure kayaking down the Amazon woman, and me. In between course we both got interviewed by Sue Thearle who currently presents the News and Sport on the BBC News channel and on BBC World News.
It was an inspiring few hours as I listened to another persons adventure, yes a different one from my Olympic journey, but someone who I could relate to and still be overwhelmed by what she had just achieved. Having first met Helen a few months ago when I was invited onto Blue Peter, I want to say she is a true inspiration also to all women out there, Well done Helen.

BMW PGA CHAMPIONSHIPS

On the 18th May I drove to Virginia Water, to the biggest golf club I have ever been to, Wentworth....What a place. This week the BMW PGA Championships take place. I have to admit to everyone that I haven't ever really played a serious game of golf, but it was an honour to be invited as an ambassador of BMW and to interviewed by Gary Lineker along with with Paul Casey, Colin Montgomerie and James Cracknell, to the BMW employers that were all there.

Good luck to everyone taking part this week.

SPORTS INDUSTRY AWARDS

On the 13th May I was invited to go to the Sports Industry Awards in Battersea Park, London. This was a much bigger event then I first thought it would be, A red carpet, star studed night. I was presenting an award in the evening, which was more nerve racking then doing the Olympic runs! My legs were like jelly.
I got to meet some amazing sport stars that I have watched and admired for years on the TV screen...but was great to meet them in real life! Denise Lewis, Sally Gunnel, just to name a few..
Thank you massively to Burberry who dressed and styled me for the night.

Bath University Blues Awards

I got presented with another University of Bath Blues awards.... 3 years after my first!
An Honorary Blue is awarded, exceptionally, to a person connected with the University of Bath who has made outstanding contributions to World Sport, over a period of at least two years.... that's what I got!

Jonathon Ross Show

How scarey...but how great. Was amazing to meet the World Famous Jonathon Ross on his sofa! He was and is a lovely man, was very kind and surprising nice to me! Seeing as I was worried about going on the show...All worked out great....

Take a look on you tube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZfD1C66nlQ

Chris Evans skeleton lesson!!

So we have a budding new skeleton starter...BBC 2 Radio presenter Chris Evans.
Chris and sports reporter Jonny Saunders launched themselves down the track at the University of Bath to see who could secure the fastest time for their breakfast show sporting challenge
The pair, who take on a different sporting challenge each week for his Radio 2 show,
came down to Bath for there Sport Challenge. I taught them my greatest tips and techniques and off they went down the track. It was a great fun afternoon thanks guys for coming and wanting to have a go!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/chris-evans/videos/bob-skeleton/

BBC 5 mins with.....

A few weeks ago I meet with Matthew Stadlen in London. What a lovely man...and a great honour to be chosen to have this special 5 min interview!!
Take a look....

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8654752.stm

A unique pair Oakley sunglasses

Oakley have made me a pair of glasses to celebrate my achievement at the Olympics. With Queen of Speed etched along the lenses they are a unique pair just for me...Thank you Oakley.

Thanks a million BMW

This morning I picked up keys to a beautiful BMW 3 series car... What more can I say apart from the words from BMW themselves, its "The ultimate driving machine" I'm hoping Arthur wont be jealous of this new relationship that is about to start... so far I haven't Christened him yet, must think of a suitable name!

WHAT A BUSY TIME!

I have a few minuets to myself now to write a quick note to you all.
It has been non stop for the past two weeks, lots of interviews, some TV, and tons of media. The One Show was the first TV show, straight off the plane I had a press conference and lots of news interviews, then it was straight across London to the studios, There I was sat next to Martin Clunes, very surreal experience having only been in the country for a matter of hours! Then Blue Peter, where I was given GOLD BADGE! and then Jonathon Ross wanted me on his show, that was a great experience he was lovely and all went very smoothly!
I want to say a huge thanks to Adam Parsons who has done a amazing job looking after me and to my brother who has been on the end of a phone to hundreds of people who all want to talk to me! Thanks guys.

GOLD MEDAL

I did it...I won a Gold Medal in the skeleton Vancouver 2010. I still cant believe it has happened. It is big shinny and heavy and doesn't leave my side!! It has been a whirlwind ever since I got off my sled, media, interviews and TV. An adventure is about to begin when I get home to England and my home town Bath...
I'm dashing off now to the bobsleigh so I will write more about my win and what it felt like when I'm back.

VANCOUVER JOUNRNEY BEGINS

Just a quick word to say Im sat in the airport in Calgary about to board the plane to Vancouver...the real advanture is about to begin....there are about 32 of Team GB athletes here all on the flight together. Tonight we have a reception and the flag goes up and then tomorrow night the 12th Feb is the opening ceremony...So excited, cant wait......

TEAM GB HOLDING CAMP

Having had a very very long journey to get to Calgary yesterday it feel good to be here and around some other Team GB athletes and staff.
We left Lake Placid (take a look at the amazing cake the staff made for us there, thank you Susie) at 8.30am and got to Calgary about 8pm....long flight delays....the usual airport hassle!!
The hotel looks great with posters and British flag stickers of athletes all around, we have our own dinning area and lounge to relax in and get to know each other.
I will still e doing some physically training sessions the few days I'm here to keep my legs ticking over and my body moving, but I will also try and use it as a chill out few days before the madness of the Games begin.....cant wait to be standing in the Opening Ceremony behind our flag.

MOVING ON...

Hi there
Well, right now I'm in Lake Placid preparing and training ahead of the Olympic Winter Games and it's great to have the time and space to do everything I can to be in great shape for the biggest event in our sport. From here we move on to Calgary where for once we'll be spending time with athletes from other sports and with the guys from the British Olympic Association.
I normally travel with quite a small team, but now it's much bigger and there's a great feeling of being part of Team GB and representing my country. Of course, I still spend a lot of time with the skeleton team and with people like Adam, Shelley and Kristan.
Over the past couple of years, a lot has been written about the relationship I have with Shelley - too much has been written really. Read some of the papers and you'd imagine we're at each other's throats, but that's really not the case. The problem is that people have tried to build our rivalry into something all engrossing. If I say anything about Shelley, it gets written up as being a dig against her. But that's not what I'm interested in doing and always annoys me when it's presented that way - so let's clear things up once and for all. Shelley and I are team-mates, but we're also rival athletes. We're both going all out to win races and slide as fast as we can. True, we're not close friends, but we don't have to be, and I don't think either of us see that as a problem. We rub along just fine. Both of us share the same ambition - to be the fastest skeleton athlete in the world. We're both totally focused on performance, and on chasing success at the Games. Yes, Shelley is my rival, but so are lots of other women athletes. I want to beat Shelley just like I want to beat Mellisa Hollingsworth or Kerstin Szymkowiak. I want to beat everyone! So that's it. No wars, no fights, no big rows and no back-stabbing. Just a normal, healthy rivalry between two athletes.
Now I've got that off my chest, I want to turn my whole attention on to the Games now. If I'm going to fulfil my potential, I need to be a hundred per cent focused on getting my preparation perfect and peaking at the right time. If I can do that, I know I can deliver one of the best performances of my career!
See you soon

IM GOING TO VANCOUVER 2010 OLYMPICS

Today was the official skeleton team announcement in London. The media were all there to question the team, as the names were said out loud to the world... my name was on the list... I'm going!!

I have known for a few weeks now but my mouth has been painfully sealed!! So I'm am glad to now be able to tell you all.

I picked up the Olympic kit on the way back from Austria last Sunday, such an exciting moment as the realisation of my life dream has now come true...I am competing at an Olympic Games! As you can probably tell I have to keep telling myself! Adidas has done an amazing job in kitting out the whole British Team with enough kit to last a life time...thank you.

All the hard work over the years, especially this last year has payed off. There is still alot to be done as its not over yet...I have the hardest race off my life only weeks away. None of my preparation could have been done alone though...Iv had such a great support team around me, my coaches, physio, sled tech, friends and family who have helped and guided me every step of the way...I'm doing this race for all of you .. I will give it my all, and will do everything in my power to make this Olympic Skeleton Race the best and fastest of my Life!

Women's skeleton race is on the 18th and 19th February 2010.

CANT WAIT FOR A BRITISH CUP OF TEA

I'm finally off home tomorrow, I cant wait to sit on the sofa with my feet up and have a good British cup of tea..It never tastes the same in any other country!!

A DISSAPOINTING LAST RACE

Well..that's it, last World Cup Race of the 2009-10 season is over, done.

I wasn't happy with my result from yesterday race in Igls, Austria. I'm still trying to work out why I was so slow and way behind in the times.

I had great pushes again a 5.40 which was 4 100th faster then any other girl, (but its now getting a little frustrating having the best push times and not getting down in the same position, id rather be quicker at the bottom then top!!), I had good lines especially on the first run, maybe I was just trying too hard...When you train alot faster then race, this isn't the right way round!! Training had been great again, I was working out my steers everyday, getting a respectable time of 54.86sec on one of my days, so when I saw my race times of 55.55 and 55.25 you can see why I wasn't happy!

This race needs to be parked behind me now as the slate is cleaned for this 2009-2010 World Cup season. I finished ranked World Cup overall in 5th place again, same as last season. Was 5th in the Europeans a little lower then anticipated... Iv had 4 top 6 finishes and all others minus one in the top 10 positions.

Must be positive and look forward to what may happen next... :-) The British skeleton Olympic selection is on the 29th January....lets wait and see if I'm selected on the team to go to Vancouver Winter Olympics.....

LAST WORLD CUP RACE AND EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS, IGLS

Its day two of the official training in Igls, Austria, World Cup number 8, which is also combined with the European Championships. I cant believe its already the last one... Its seems like each race has flown by, although It does seem like a terribly long time since spending any time at home.

I love Igls track, many athletes don't like it as its a easy one to get down and not quick or exciting, but it feels good, its not the quickest, today I got to 119kpm, so not as fast as St Moritz last week where I was 135kpm!

This is a pushers track where the time at the top does help you alot, so I'm hoping I really go for it and push hard....I'm off to the athletics track now to do some sled pulls and sprints, ciao for now.

The picture is me in the freezing lake...good recovery for the legs after a hard push! brrrrrr

MY BEST EVER ST MORITZ RESULT...4TH

Woo...I got a second run was my first thought on Friday about 2pm...Some of you may know my slightly bad track record history in St Moritz...where the horseshoe corner each year seems to like to spit me out a little too hard and I end up crashing and either not getting a second run or barely making it. This year was different though, I had one crash in training, but I was testing out runners (they weren't right for me!), then a solid weeks training and a race that seems to have kicked out the horseshoe demons...I came 4th.

All week I had problems in the Nash-Dixon corners and was loosing time and speed, so on race day I had a new plan, it didn't quite work on the first run and I ended up clipping early into Dixon, loosing time..but I knew then what to do with the 2nd run and I finally nailed it, putting down a great run and moving up from 6th to 4th place. I also had the 2nd best push again.

Its a unique track in St Moritz, the only natural track in the world. Each year it is re-built with ice from the frozen lake, sticks are layed in the summer to show where the corners go, and then built up new each winter. This means the corners are always slightly different, some harder or easier.

I nearly forgot to say... I had a go at curling for the first time this week...it was amazing..!! We had a teacher for the few hours and played coaches against athletes and Rachel...GB curling team may need to watch out as the skeleton team have a few talented first timers!! I do need to add in here that Rachel, Andy and Myself were the winning team!

Now I'm in Igls, Austria for the final World Cup race which is combined with the European Championships where I would love to get a medal... Watch it on British Eurosport on Friday the 22nd Jan 2010.

ST MORITZ

Just a quick hello to you all from St Moritz one of the most beautiful places on the circuit. Have had a few days of sliding so far, so good some bad..yesterday had terrifying experience on the track, was testing some new runners which in the end weren't right for me as I had no grip at all and skidded out of control the whole way down which meant a big crash out of the horseshoe corner, and very bent sled and a very bruised sore body from me! Thanks to Rachel who worked on my sled, pulled him apart and made him better and thanks to Chris my physio who looked at me to make sure I was ok!! One more day of Training left before the race on Friday...fingers crossed I'm ok today!!

KONIGSSEE FIRST RACE OF 2010

First race of 2010 ... Konigssee, Germany. Such a beautiful place, idyllic setting with mountains all around and a huge lake, with the track metres away. My family had made the trip out to watch and shout for me, thanks guys for coming and supporting me it was great to have you around. In fact thanks to everyone that supports me! Especially too to Petr my boyfriend who came up with his bobsleigh team in tow, to all shout at the start thus helping me push quicker!

So back to the race....didn't go quite to plan! Had a wicked days training especially one of the days where I was flying down the track was second quickest girl behind one of the Germans on her home track, and a near track record. On the race....well..... Konigssee has a unique straight....its not straight at all! You have to hit a certain point, not too early, not too hard, not too soft and not too late....then you can just about make it through the wobble without hitting. I had been doing it great about 90% of the time in training, but I hit too early on race day which meant that i had to take another hit further down and then time was lost. the wobble straight goes into a Kreisel, which is a full circle corner, very hard to steer and get the timing and pressures, I lost time here and couldn't make it up in the bottom half of the track. However I did have a really good second run, six tenths quicker then the first, but had to settle for 12th position overall. Still leaving me ranked 5th in the fibt world cup ranking, still respectable i believe!

I do need to add in now a big positive from today's race.... I had the best sprint push times for both of my runs so I know physically I am in the worlds best shape :-)

HAPPY NEW YEAR

I was so excited about getting home for Christmas that I never got around to writing about the last pre Christmas race in Altenberg where I came 4th... I was 4th behind 3 Germans on a German track...so I'm happy with that and giving myself a pat on the back!!It was a great week, Altenberg is a track that always scares me! Even though Iv been down it quite a few times over the years. I associate it with when I first started to learn to slide and so lots of crashes were had on it.....But I do always seem to do well on that track and I always love to slide it once I have the first day under my belt.

I was in the Christmas mood that whole week listening to festive songs on my i-pod! We left for home the morning after the race, it was so good to be going home after such a long time away, think it was about 6 weeks on the trot.

I arrived at my parents house where I was spending my Christmas, the tree was up and ready to decorate, always my job to do! I spent a few days with my parents including Christmas day and then I flew straight to Prague on Boxing day to spend the rest of the festive time with my boyfriend who lives there. So New Year in Prague old town square...I highly recommend! It was amazing. Huge tree, thousands of people and fireworks....a magical time.