This week, former University of Gloucestershire student Lizzy Yarnold became Great Britain’s greatest ever Winter Olympian, after winning gold in Pyeongchang.
The 29-year old retained the title she earned four years earlier in Sochi, becoming the first Briton to successfully defend a title in the Winter Olympics.
With dizzy spells threatening Yarnold’s hopes, she overcame a 0.1 second deficit going into the final run, winning the event by a staggering 0.45 second margin. With a finishing time of three minutes 27.38, she also claimed the track record with her run.
Having captivated a nation on Saturday with her record-breaking victory, plaudits flooded in across social media to congratulate the two-time champion. Of course, The University of Gloucestershire were amongst the first to show their support for the former student.
Wishing @TheYarnold a HUGE congratulations on her Gold in #PyeongChang2018 today – we are so proud of you! #Skeleton #WinterOlympics2018 https://t.co/dweXzL2PJL
— Uni of Gloucestershire (@uniofglos) February 17, 2018
And if the University was a competing nation, they wouldn’t be doing too badly at all!
We're playing fantasy #WinterOlympics2018 League Tables. If UOG was a country we would currently be beating China and Australia?? Thanks for the boost @TheYarnold #Pyeonchang2018 #TeamGlos?❄️ pic.twitter.com/vfwpWHogdb
— Uni of Gloucestershire (@uniofglos) February 19, 2018
A great deal of praise was received from the public, with the skeleton athlete’s achievement being regarded as one of the greatest in British sporting history by some.
I'm getting stick in my house for stating this is one of the greatest achievements by gb athlete of all time. You are inspirational. Congratulations!
— SeanThorpe (@ch1ves) February 17, 2018
You’re a fabulous inspiration. People like me need to understand the determination and self belief you have to have and tell ourselves that we’re made of the same stuff, just have to apply it.
— Dudge (David) Wood (@DudgeCity) February 19, 2018
Very special to be at the medal ceremony in #Pyeongchang2018 last night to see Lizzy Yarnol @TheYarnold collect her Gold medal and Laura Deas @skeletonlaura her Bronze medal for women’s skeleton. Well done Lizzy and Laura. Fantastic achievement. #TeamGB. pic.twitter.com/r9CZXu39Rf
— Allan Boardman (@allanboardman) February 18, 2018