ALWAYS FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS

WHILE I had a team around me at the olympics, I knew my destiny was in my own hands. I had to rely on myself when I got to the top of the skeleton track and had just one chance to get it right.

When we were getting ready to compete in vancouver in 2010, my coach and team around me were telling me I should put a different type of runners on my sled — these act like the tyres on a car. The runners had been tested in laboratories and, on paper, they were faster. I listened to the advice, but on the day, I decided to stick with what I was comfortable with.

I just didn’t want to be distracted worrying about something new. It was a big gamble, but it paid off.

I relied on the same gut instinct when my son oscar was seriously ill last year. He wouldn’t stop crying and people were saying: ‘oh, that’s normal, he’s a baby.’ But I took him to hospital and he was diagnosed with meningitis. Thankfully, he’s oK now.

My parents were always supportive, and I hope I’m the same with him. They never pushed me to make decisions.

When I started training, I didn’t have access to an ice track or the right facilities, but I pushed myself in other ways. determination kept me going.

I’d lift heavier weights each week or turn up an hour early. I never let injury set me back — I’d use the time off training to work on myself psychologically, so I came back stronger. I’d also go to the gym at a different time to athletes, so I wouldn’t have to compare myself.

The skills I learnt as an olympian have helped me with my Tv presenting. on live Tv, you can do all the preparation you like, but when the moment comes, it’s like hurtling down a skeleton track: you have a few minutes to get it right.