Braintree's Aleasha Kiddle is already making a big impact in the Great Britain bobsleigh team.

Having been selected for the team just a few weeks ago after impressing at a selection event in the UK and a training camp in Switzerland, the former Braintree and District Athletic Club star has made an early mark at the FIBT World Cup.

Kiddle, who is the brakewoman in the two-person bobsleigh and GB 1 driver Victoria Olayoe opened their World Cup account with an eighth-place finish at Lake Placid in America and are hoping to go even better at the next round in Calgary in Canada this weekend.

It has been a rapid elevation to the top-flight of a sport that sees sleds hurtling at 70mph down a chute of ice and that Kiddle hadn’t even competed at a few months ago and she is relishing her new position.

The 22-year-old said: “I’m so happy I have been given this amazing opportunity.

“It really means a lot when people believe in you when you’re so new to a sport.

“I really feel so lucky and grateful and I have had the best experience working with great coaches and athletes.

“My driver, Vicky, chose me to push her from the beginning, which gave me a great confidence boost as she is team GB 1 driver.

“We have bonded well and she has helped me develop so much as an bobsleigh athlete and been so patient with me whilst I learn.

“Vicky calls me a natural on ice."