Ashleigh Pittaway is the new skeleton Youth Olympic Champion after taking gold in the women’s event at Lillehammer 2016 today.
Pittaway finished her two runs at the Lillehammer Sliding Centre almost a second clear of her nearest rival and close friend Hannah Neise of Germany.
The 15-year-old, who follows Madi Rowlands by winning Team GB’s second gold medal of the Games, came down in 1:50.23 – 0.96 seconds ahead of Neise and 2.22 seconds clear of Agathe Bessard of France who took bronze.
“It feels amazing to win the gold. I’m so happy and so proud to represent my country,” said Pittaway.
“When I first crossed the line I couldn’t believe it. I felt like I was standing next to me watching me finish – it was so surreal and just like a movie.
“Hannah [Neise] is one of my best friends and we’re really happy to be on the podium together. That’s been our dream together for four years.
“Conditions here have been good. I was very nervous at the top of my first run but felt strong coming down the second and once I exited turn seven I knew the run was good.
“My parents are here and they’ve been amazing and so supportive. It’s been a hard four years working towards this and a big struggle at times so I’m really happy to have won the race.”