Skeleton athletes complete biggest British team for 18 years

THE British Olympic Association announced their final competitors for Vancouver, with the inclusion of four skeleton athletes taking the tally to 52 - the biggest British Winter Olympic squad since Albertville 1992.

LOOKING FOR AN UPGRADE: The British Olympic Association confirms skeleton selections for Vancouver with Olympic silver medallist Shelley Rudman the star name (Getty Images)

There were no surprises in the four skeleton selections as world silver medallist Adam Pengilly and former world champion Kristan Bromley were named for the men's competition.

Meanwhile, Olympic silver medallist Shelley Rudman and world silver medallist Amy Williams were given the nod in the women's event.

Rudman, who finished second in the overall World Cup standings for the second consecutive season, admits she is heading to Vancouver with one thing in mind - upgrading her silver from four years ago to gold.

"I have very special memories of the Winter Olympics," said the 28-year old, who won Great Britain's only medal at the last Winter Games in Turin.

"My silver in Turin four years ago was the greatest moment I've had in sport.

"My appetite to succeed remains as strong as ever. I'll be going to Vancouver hoping it all comes together and hoping luck is on my side.

"My form this season has been good. I've been a regular visitor to the podium and hopefully I can maintain that momentum and focus at exactly the right time."

While Rudman knows what it's like to taste Olympic success, Williams will be making her Olympic debut in Vancouver but having finished fifth in this season's World Cup standings, the 27-year old will also be in the medal hunt.

In the men's competition, Bromley will be making his third Olympic appearance having finished 13th at Salt Lake City in 2002 and fifth in Turin four years ago.

Meanwhile, Pengilly will be competing at his second Olympics and having finished eighth in Turin, the 22-year old admits he can't wait to get going again in Canada.

"I can't wait to get stuck in again in Vancouver and hurtle down that track as fast as I can," she said.

The Vancouver Olympics start on February 12 with the skeleton events taking place on February 18 and 19.