WINTER Olympian Paula Walker will be cheered on by mum and dad Denise and Paul as they watch the Games on television at home in Feniscowles, Blackburn.

Paula competes in the two-man bobsleigh and mum Denise said the whole family was really excited about the games.

She said: “We were really hoping to get out but Paul has cancer and can’t do the travelling, so instead we’re hoping to see everything on television.

"She’s going to be telling us the exact times we need to watch and we’re keeping in touch with her by phone and by reading her Facebook statuses.”

Paula, 23, a corporal in the Royal Signals, has quickly risen through the ranks to make it into world’s top 10 two-man bobsleighers.

Two years ago she was coaxed into the sled by an army colleague who had been let down by her usual training partner, and said her first try was “one of the worst experiences of my life.”

But she stuck at it, first as a brakeman before transferring to driver a year later.

Mrs Walker said: “She has always been athletic, and was even made sports person of the year when she left St Bede’s High School, but she hasn’t got it from anyone in the family!

“We’re obviously very, very proud of her and everyone is rooting for her.”