SHELLEY Rudman completed the full set of World Cup medals – and claimed European silver – to give herself the ideal pre-Olympics tonic ahead of the Winter Games in Sochi.

The Pewsey slider, 32, clinched her second podium finish of the campaign at the final round of the eight-race FIBT season in Germany.

Rudman finished third in a weather-curtailed final round of the series, which doubled as the European Championships and was the last competitive outing before the Olympics in Russia, the opening ceremony for which is next Friday.

Rudman clocked 53.42 to lie in third place behind America's Noelle Pikus-Pace (52.92) and Janine Flock, of Austria (53.36) after the first run.

The second scheduled run was then cancelled due to heavy snow, ensuring Flock took the European crown, with Rudman taking silver - her fifth European medal having claimed gold in 2009 and 2011, a bronze in between and silver in 2006.

Great Britain compatriot Lizzy Yarnold was crowned overall champion for the first time, ahead of Pikus-Pace, while Rudman added overall third to her silver-medal finishes in 2009 and 2010 and her 2012 triumph.

Rudman said: “I’m delighted with how it went.

“I really enjoy the Konigsee track and I’ve had some great results here in the past – it’s very technical, so to podium here is really positive.

“To finish the season in the bronze position overall is a great achievement.

“It’s the only World Cup trophy I haven’t won so I’m very happy I now have a complete set.

“The silver in the European Championship is also a great bonus – a good day at the office.’’ 

The Olympic women’s skeleton competition takes place in Sochi over two days on February 13-14, with two heats on each day.

  • Don’t miss our Winter Olympics special, as Shelley looks ahead to her bid for gold, only in next week’s Gazette & Herald

FOR MORE SPORTS NEWS, REPORTS & PICTURES SEE THURSDAY'S GAZETTE & HERALD AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @gazsport