Lizzy Yarnold, MBE
Initially a heptathlete, Lizzy Yarnold started competing in skeleton racing in 2010, achieving her first official win in the Europa Cup at Iglis in November. Already a world champion when she arrived at Sochi for the 2014 Winter Olympics, Lizzy Yarnold added Olympic gold to her list of awards, setting new track records with two of her four runs and being fastest in the field for four. In January 2015, Yarnold won her second World Cup event of the skeleton season. In the 2014 Birthday Honours, Yarnold was appointed MBE for services to skeleton racing and she was listed in the 'sport' sector of the 2015 Debrett's 500. Her sled is named Mervyn after a former work colleague.
1. What was your biggest career break?
In 2012 I was promoted for the first time to the World Cup competition circuit. I won two of the four races I took part in and it showed me that I could compete with the best sliders in the world and that perhaps I could be really good at it!
2. Have you had a notable mentor – and if so, what was it about them that was so inspiring?
I have met hundreds of inspirational people who have motivated me to push myself even more. My coaches were great mentors as they renew so well the constant pressure athletes are under to succeed. They taught me that it is OK to fail – it was the only option other than imploding!
3. What one piece of advice would you give to the 20-year-old you?
A lot has changed in six years, but I’m still very similar. I’d say that achieving perfection is impossible and that you are the only judge of your life.
4. What qualities to do you look for in new recruits?
We look for speed over 30m which links into the skeleton push start, as well as a personality to deal well with unending training and learning. Someone who is confident in themselves is really important.
5. Who do you admire and why?
I admire anyone who is confident enough to be themselves, whether that conforms with what is the ‘norm’ in society or not. We are all different and that variety is what makes the world a fabulous place – so anyone who goes out there and lives their life true to themselves I admire.
6. What does the future of your industry look like?
Olympic athletes are reliant on funding from the National Lottery so its imperative for our industry that we can continue to show a relationship between winning medals and the wider benefits to society from sport and physical activity. The greater importance society as a whole places on well-being and how Olympic athletes can play a part in being role models in that regard, the better.
7. If you weren't in the role you are in today, what would you have been?
I have absolutely no idea! I worked in insurance to help fund the early days of my skeleton career so perhaps still working there.
8. What is your biggest extravagance?
My biggest extravagance was travelling in New Zealand for a month after the Olympics. The best money I’ve ever spent!
9. Who would you invite to your dream dinner party and why? (you can invite three people – they must be alive)
Denise Lewis – my sporting idol growing up.
My dad – he makes everyone feel at ease and will no doubt spend the evening cracking jokes.
Princess Anne – I’ve met her a few times and she is so lovely and down-to-earth – you talk to her about anything so I think she would make a great guest.
10. What do you do to relax away from work?
I love going to the theatre or food festivals.
11. If you could change one thing about Britain today, what would it be?
I would have weekly cooking classes for all children in primary school.
12. What would your last meal be? (please choose a starter, a main course and a pudding)
Melted goats cheese, green salad, roasted pear and balsamic vinegar to start with. Beef roast dinner and then jelly and ice cream for pudding.
