Yarnold makes history as Deas bags bronze on golden day for Team GB

Yarnold arrived in PyeongChang having only secured one podium place this season. But a true champion delivers when it matters and she took her place in history in stunning style, winning by 0.45 seconds over the four runs.

It capped the most successful day in British Winter Olympic history - eclipsing the two bronze medals won on February 3rd at the 1924 Games in Chamonix.

Izzy Atkin claimed Britain’s first skiing medal earlier in the day before Yarnold and Deas, both considered outsiders for the podium, capped off a Super Saturday to remember.

"The emotions are still going through me, I don't really know what is going on," said Yarnold.

"I believed I could do my best but it's something scary to think that far ahead, that maybe I could be a double Olympic champion. I didn't really let myself say that.

"I love big occasions like this, I love a stiff competition and the pressure. And I love being at the top and thinking this is it, it's the time to deliver. I can do this."

Yarnold also revealed she's been suffering from an illness in recent days - and almost pulled out of her title defence.

"After the first run I was almost at the point of pulling out. My chest infection was stopping me from breathing," she said.

"I just tried to get the second run down and then fight another run.

"If it wasn't for my physio Louise Turner, I'm not sure I would be here. The emotions are gratitude to the whole team to get here, and relief, and exhaustion. And lots of crying."

Deas paid tribute to Yarnold and admitted her role in history would take some getting used to.

"I can’t believe I am part of a Super Saturday, I never thought I’d be saying that. I’m just extremely proud to be part of an historic day," she said.

"I thought 'this must be a mistake', someone is going to tap me on the shoulder and say sorry . I have worked so hard for this for the past nine years. My family are freezing their socks off and I am so glad they can be part of it.

"Lizzy is such a phenomenal athlete, she is so consistent and she knows how to bring it when it matters."

Sportsbeat 2018