SKELETON BOB: The Swindon-born slider, who has only been competing in skeleton bobsleigh for three years, was paraded through streets of flagwaving fans on an open-toped bus as she bids to get used to her new-found status.

She said: "Ever since winning the medal I have hardly had any time to myself. It has been absolutely mad. Every newspaper, radio station and television company have wanted a word and it has been manic.

"People say my life is never going to be the same again but I can guarantee that won't happen. I will be the same Shelley Rudman after the games as I was before.

"The reception the people of Pewsey have given me has been amazing. I am a Wiltshire girl and always will be."

Rudman, 24, slid to a surprise silver medal in Turin in her first Winter Olympics having taken the sport up after being inspired by a British bronze medal in the event four years ago.

She landed back in the country from Italy a week ago but admits she is still struggling to come to terms with what she has exactly achieved.

"I may have landed but my feet have not touched the floor yet," she said. "It is all kind of surreal but brilliant.

"I would just like to thank everyone who supported me and who have come out to cheer me on today. It means a great deal."