Smith slides into bronze medal position on GB bow

Warwick-born slider Madelaine Smith at Lake Placid.

Smith produced a superb second run to move up a strong field which included race winner Kimberley Bos, who was eighth in the recent World Championships in Austria.

Previously a sprint hurdler for Solihull & Small Heath Athletics Club and Birchfield Harriers, Smith entered the talent identification programme Power2Podium and was selected into the GB talent squad in December 2014.

“It’s a very special feeling,” said the 21-year-old, who will hope to follow a long line of successful sliders to have come through the UK Sport-funded programme.

“It was a strong field and I’m really surprised to have medalled.

“I’m not one to get nervous or overly excited and I didn’t do anything differently or think any differently than I did in training.

“I had struggled in some of the early training, though, so it’s amazing to have come third on my debut race.”

Smith, who combines her training with her final year at Bath University, is seeking sponsorship and support to help fulfil her Olympic dream.

You can contact her on [email protected] or follow her at @MadelaineESmith on Twitter.