Olympic skeleton champion Lizzy Yarnold will make her return from a season-long hiatus this weekend, as the 2016-17 World Cup gets underway in Canada.

Yarnold opted for a break from the sport after winning Olympic, World, European and overall World Cup golds in just over 400 days.

The 28-year-old said she was burnt out following an exhausting two years but vowed to come back and defend her Olympic title at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games.

“I’ve come back feeling refreshed, recharged and ready to give it my all again,” said Yarnold.

“I needed a break last season but I was always determined to come back and try and retain my Olympic title. I hope this is the first step on that journey.

“I know how difficult that challenge will be as so many women slid so well last season but I’m really looking forward to that.”