DOUBLE Olympic champion Lizzy Yarnold has been acclaimed as ‘a legend on and off the track’ by British Skeleton’s Wiltshire-based Head of Performance Danny Holdcroft, following the announcement of her retirement from the sport.

Great Britain’s most decorated Winter Olympian, Yarnold became the first British athlete to retain a Winter Games title when she won gold at Pyeongchang 2018, with Melksham-based Laura Deas taking bronze.

After surgery for a long-standing back problem in July, Yarnold retires having won every major trophy in the sport, including World Championship, World Cup and European Championship crowns.

But Holdcroft, who lives in Bratton, has also praised the former heptathlete for inspiring a whole generation of young British Skeleton stars now hoping to follow in her footsteps.

“Lizzy has given everything to our sport and she undoubtedly deserves her status as a true great,” said Holdcroft, who has been part of Yarnold’s skeleton journey since it began back in 2008.

“It has been a privilege to see her grow and develop into someone who has perfected the blend of the ruthlessness needed to be successful in high performance sport and the ability to be a real team player.

“While her natural talent is unquestionable, Lizzy showed us all what is possible with dedication and hard work.

“Her drive and desire to defend her Olympic title was a shining example of digging deep into both physical and mental trenches to achieve a dream.

“Her achievements on the ice have been simply sensational but her support for those attempting to do what she has done has been equally remarkable.

“Lizzy’s enthusiasm to inspire the next generation of sporting stars within Great Britain is something she should be very, very proud of. She is a legend, on and off the track.’’

He added: “British Skeleton may have lost an Olympic champion from its active roster with her retirement but the benchmark that Lizzy leaves behind is an inspiration to all of our athletes and a reminder that the impossible is possible.’’