Olympic champion Yarnold returns to training

Yarnold completed the career Grand Slam of Olympic, World Championship, World Cup and European Championship gold before taking time away from the circuit last season.

But after recharging her batteries, the 27-year-old is ready to go again, with retaining her Olympic title at PyeongChang 2018 high on the agenda.

"It feels great to be back in the swing of things with my teammates as we prepare for the upcoming season on ice," said Yarnold, who won all four of the sport's major titles in just over 400 days between 2014 and 2015, and is targeting a place on the team for the first race of the season in December.

"I'm fully aware that the competition is in great shape, not least within the GB team itself where Laura (Deas) and Donna (Creighton) have kept the flag flying for us. I'd like the World Championship trophy back on my mantelpiece and retaining my title at the 2018 Olympics is of course in my sights.

"More so than the accolades, I am even more motivated to be a better slider than I was before. I have to prove that, not for others, but for myself."

Sportsbeat 2016