Amy Williams, Gold Medal Olympics Skeleton Racer from Team GB, discusses harnessing fear, the differences between bobsleigh and skeleton, speed and G-force in sled racing, challenges faced by underfunded athletes, visualizing the track, and overcoming fear and nervousness.
Amy Williams' gold medal at the Winter Olympics saved skeleton racing in the UK by securing funding for the sport.
In skeleton racing, visualization and reframing fear as excitement are essential for achieving success.
Deep dives
Amy Williams's journey into Skeleton racing
Amy Williams found her way into Skeleton racing after her running career ended due to injuries. Living in Bath, she discovered a push track at the University of Bath, where she practiced the sprint start and diving onto the sled, which is a key part of the sport. Coming from an athletics background, Amy quickly picked up the skills and started competing for Great Britain. Eventually, she made it to the Olympics and won a gold medal, which helped secure funding for the sport in the UK.
The physical demands of Skeleton racing
Skeleton racing involves racing headfirst on a sled down an ice track. The athletes lie on their stomachs, just inches off the ice, and steer the sled using their shoulders and body movements. The sled is about a meter long with runners on the bottom, similar to tires on a car. The speeds can reach up to 143 kilometers per hour (89 miles per hour) in the Olympics. The sport also subjects athletes to high G-forces, with corners reaching up to 4-5 Gs of pressure. Injuries are common, including back issues, knee problems, and bruises from crashes.
The challenges of funding and self-belief in Skeleton racing
In the early days of her career, Amy Williams faced significant challenges with funding and self-belief. Initially, there was no funding available, and she had to contribute her own money for equipment and travel. She also struggled with injuries and doubts about her abilities. However, as the sport gained success and funding increased, Amy and her teammates were able to receive support. Her gold medal at the Olympics ensured the future of the sport in the UK. Amy's advice to athletes facing similar challenges is to focus on preparation, give your best effort, and have no regrets.
The mental aspect and thrill of Skeleton racing
Skeleton racing requires mental strength and positive self-talk. Amy Williams emphasizes the importance of visualization in the sport, where athletes imagine and mentally rehearse each corner of the track. She acknowledges that fear and nerves can be present, but suggests reframing them as excitement. The thrill of nailing a run, the feeling of flying down the track, and the satisfaction of conquering challenges contribute to the addictive nature of the sport. Amy believes that mental preparation is as crucial as the physical aspects in achieving success.
Amy Williams is a Gold Medal Olympics Skeleton Racer from Team GB.
Our conversation goes into how to harness fear, where it comes from and how her winning gold at the Winter Olympics saved her sport in the UK entirely.