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."
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