PAULA Walker has announced her retirement from bobsleigh.

The 29-year-old, who won gold at the World Junior Championships in Park City in 2011, was based in Trowbridge alongside fiancé and fellow Great Britain pilot John Jackson during her build-up to last year’s Winter Olympics.

Walker, who competed at Sochi 2014 and Vancouver 2012, gave birth to daughter Poppy in November last year and has stepped away from her sport to concentrate on her family life.

“It's been a very tough decision to leave the British Bobsleigh family but, after having my daughter Poppy, all my time and attention needs to go to her,” said Walker.

“I'd like to personally thank all my team-mates along the way, who have braved their lives getting into my sled and given me 100% day in, day out.

“My career couldn't have happened without the support of the British Bobsleigh & Skeleton Association and in particular, I would like to thank Peter Gunn, who has been my driving coach since I made the transition to pilot. His knowledge and patience have been tested to their limits.

“I wish the entire team the best of luck in their quest to be the world's best.”

Walker, who grew up in Blackburn, is a corporal in the Royal Signals and is a triple Army and Inter-Services champion, having also represented the armed forces at badminton, boxing, rugby and athletics.

She finished fourth in the mixed team event at the FIBT World Championships in 2011 and at the 2013 European Championships in the two-woman event, as well as claiming silver and bronze medals at the America’s Cup.

“We’ve got a lot to thank Paula for,” said British Bobsleigh performance director Gary Anderson. “Paula winning the World Junior Championships in Park City in 2011 helped put British Bobsleigh back on the map. A lot of the investment we are now getting started on that day when Paula proved that we could compete with the best in the world.

“Paula’s win in the World Junior Championships was a catalyst for the future success of the sport and it was a real milestone on our journey so far.

"She has been an asset to British Bobsleigh and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”