Lizzy Yarnold continued her impressive return to action, following a year’s sabbatical, by finishing second in the latest Skeleton World Cup race in Lake Placid on Saturday.

The 28-year-old Olympic champion took silver behind Austria’s Janine Flock, a result which moves her to the top of the overall standings with two of the eight races completed.

Yarnold, who had to battle a snow-storm and temperatures close to minus 20 celsius, said: “I’m chuffed with the silver medal today.

“Snowy conditions were tricky, but that’s what winter sports are all about.

“After my year off, I’m glad to be back on the podium and I feel good about how I’m sliding two races in.

“Most of all I will take the positive out of the fact that I wasn’t necessarily the fastest in training this week but, come race day, something kicks in and I can bring it when it matters most.”

Leading Positions:

1 Janine Flock (Aut) One minute, 49.77secs

2 Lizzy Yarnold (Gbr) 1:50.58

3 Mirela Rahneva (Can) 1:50.92

4 Anna Fernstaedt (Ger) 1:50.96

5 Jacqueline Loelling (Ger) 1:50.97

6 Anne O’Shea (USA) 1:51.20

Overall World Cup Standings (after two of eight races):

1 Lizzy Yarnold (Gbr) 402 pts

2 Loelling Jacqueline (Ger) 394

3 Vathje Elisabeth (Can) 385

4 Mirela Rahneva (Can) 384

5 Janine Flock (Aut) 361

6 Anna Fernstaedt (Ger) 352