Amy Williams thanks Southampton scientists who helped her win Winter Olympic gold (From Daily Echo)

Amy Williams thanks Southampton scientists who helped her win Winter Olympic gold

11:47am Thursday 4th March 2010 in

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BRITISH gold medallist Amy Williams said a big thank you today to the Southampton scientists who helped her to Olympic gold.

Back at her old Bath University training ground, Amy revealed that everything from the technology in her trusty sled, affectionately called Arthur, through to her thoughts in the last 20 minutes of preparation before a run was strategically planned.

Amy said: "It gives you such confidence going to a major competition knowing that your equipment is world class and your preparation methods are at the cutting edge of your sport. All you need to worry about is delivering on the day."

The 27-year-old was Britain's only medallist in Vancouver when she slid to gold in the skeleton to become Britain's first solo Winter Olympic champion in 30 years.

Arthur's design was the brainchild of Southampton University students Rachel Blackburn and James Roche.

Both the sled and Amy's controversial helmet, which survived official protests from the US and Canadian teams, were tested extensively in the university's wind tunnel.

Amy said: "I'm really grateful to all the scientists and engineers at the University of Southampton and BAE Systems who helped make me and Arthur such a successful team."