WORLD champion Shelley Rudman believes her career highs and lows have left her better equipped ahead of her third Olympic Games in Sochi next year.

The Pewsey slider stepped up her preparations for her medal bid in Russia at GB Skeleton’s push-start facility in Bath last week.

The 32-year-old was a surprise silver medallist in Turin in 2006, but four years later in Vancouver, a poor first run left her out of the medals as Great Britain teammate Amy Williams claimed Olympic glory. “My last two Olympic experiences have been totally different,’’ said Rudman.

“With Turin it was really positive but I came away from Vancouver and I didn’t feel complete.

“This time I’ve got both those Olympic experiences to draw on and pull together.

“I really wanted to go to my third Olympics and I’m in the best shape I’ve been in for a number of years – but in this sport it’s so much about getting it right on the day.”

Rudman’s world championship victory at St Moritz earlier this year proved she was on the right track for more medal success in Sochi next winter.

She added: “I’m so happy with what I’ve achieved in the sport so far and winning the World Championship gold medal on my favourite track was really special and topped the lot.

“If I get to Sochi I will just be so happy to be there and get the chance to go for another medal.

“If I didn’t get it I would still be happy with my career to date, because I’ve achieved so much.”

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