Amy Williams says her first assignment as the official Team GB ambassador for the 2014 Winter Olympics has been "unforgettable" after supporting the next generation of British stars at the 11th European Youth Olympic Winter Festival in Romania.
Bath's golden girl, who won the skeleton title at the 2010 Games in Vancouver, mentored the 17-strong British squad in Brasov and watched as Kathryn Thomson secured a superb silver medal in the 500m short-track speed skating.
Williams looked back on the week in a blog for the British Olympic Association...
"Wow! What an unforgettable week we've had in Brasov, Romania for the 11th edition of the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival. The London 2012 Olympic Games aimed to inspire a generation and, from what I have seen from the performances of our athletes here this week, that is certainly evident.
"The 17 strong Team GB squad really got a feel for what the Olympics could be like from the word go. Arriving at the hotel prior to their departure to Brasov, they received a fantastic bag of Team GB kit, attended workshops and had their first official team meal as members of Team GB.
"The environment the athletes have been a part of this week really has been reminiscent of the Olympic Games in every way possible, including living in an athletes' village, being part of One Team GB and competing against athletes from different nations, cultures and alongside other sports.
"Not only have they lived their lives this week through the Team GB 'One Team GB' values but also importantly the Olympic values of excellence, respect and friendship.
"Having made my way to see every Team GB member this week in action, I'm so proud of the way they have conducted themselves on and off the field of play. It's been a privilege for me to be able to have one on one time with some of these athletes pre, during and post competition and help play a small part in their successes this week.
"For many of our athletes, it is not only their first Team GB experience but also their first taste of an international competition. Whilst I am sure that they would all have loved to have gone home with a medal in their pocket, what is more important is that they will be going home with a huge amount more experience and a new hunger to train harder and be the very best they can be.
"Having spent time with Kat and her team-mates prior to their competition, I was ecstatic to see Kat fulfil her potential and win Team GB's first medal of the week when she claimed silver in the 500m.
"It was a fantastic boost to the whole team and I was touched to see how the whole team, across all the sports, came together to celebrate with her that evening when she collected her medal.
"Now as we sit on the plane home, I hope that all 17 Team GB athletes will look back on this week as a unique learning experience, something which has given them an insight into what it will take for them to achieve their goals as they aspire to be selected for Team GB once again - for an Olympic Winter Games!"
