A British Olympic gold medalist who dominated the skeleton racing scene, winning back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2018. She's a trailblazer in her sport, inspiring a new generation of athletes.
Lizzy Yarnold is a British former skeleton racer who has etched her name in the history books as the most successful British Winter Olympian and the most successful Olympic skeleton athlete of all time. With consecutive Olympic gold medals in 2014 and 2018, Yarnold has dominated the sport, leaving behind a trail of glory and admiration.
Born on October 31, 1988, in Sevenoaks, Kent, Yarnold was educated at St Michaels Preparatory School and later at Maidstone Grammar School for Girls. She went on to study geography and sport and exercise science at the University of Gloucestershire, where she discovered her passion for athletics.
Yarnold joined the Great Britain national squad in 2010 and quickly made a name for herself in the skeleton racing circuit. She won the 2013-2014 Skeleton World Cup, finishing off the podium only once during the entire season. This impressive performance earned her a spot at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, where she clinched her first Olympic gold medal.
In 2018, Yarnold made history by becoming the first person to defend an Olympic gold medal in skeleton and the first British athlete to defend a Winter Olympic title. She set the track record for women's skeleton at the Olympic venue with a time of 51.46 seconds, beating Jacqueline Lölling's pre-Olympic record by nearly 1.3 seconds.
Yarnold has been an inspiration to many, both on and off the track. She has lived in Bath, Somerset, and has been married to engineer James Roche, who codesigned her sled, since 2016. Yarnold has also been involved in charitable initiatives, using her platform to support various causes.
Lizzy Yarnold's achievements have left an indelible mark on the world of skeleton racing and beyond. She has inspired a generation of athletes and has become a role model for young women in sports. Her dedication, perseverance, and passion for her craft have made her a true legend in her field.
As Yarnold looks to the future, her legacy continues to inspire and motivate others to chase their dreams, just as she did. With her name etched in the record books, Lizzy Yarnold will forever be remembered as a pioneer and a champion in the world of skeleton racing.
45 Years Old
Britain's first female Olympic medalist in skeleton, winning silver at the 2006 Winter Olympics, and a pioneer for women in the sport.
