Skeleton champion Lizzy Yarnold is recovering from knee surgery after being diagnosed with Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis prior to February’s Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.

She was made aware of the genetic condition back in November, but was advised it was safe for her to wait until the end of the season for the surgery.

Yarnold, from West Kingsdown near Sevenoaks, who became Britain’s most decorated Winter Olympian last month with her second successive gold in South Korea, underwent a minor operation earlier this month and is now on crutches, but is recovering well and expects to be training again in a few weeks.

“The operation went well which is great and I’m pleased to have got it out of the way,” said 29-year-old Yarnold.

“I’d always had tightness problems with my left quad and last summer it swelled up unusually. I’m grateful the medical team started investigating and found out about the PVNS.

“It was another health distraction for me but I can’t thank the team enough who monitored everything and operated on me last week.

“It’s a bit strange being at home resting and using crutches takes a bit of getting used to, but no excuse now not to catch up on my admin!”

The performance director at British Skeleton, Andi Schmid, explained that athletes’ health is the governing body’s primary concern and praised Yarnold’s resilience in the face of another ailment.

“Lizzy is recovering well from her operation and we are looking forward to seeing her back fit to train in a few weeks’ time,” said Schmid.

“The medical team were aware of Lizzy’s condition prior to the Olympic Winter Games and the situation was managed accordingly after taking specialist advice.

“The health of our athletes is the priority for everyone involved with British Skeleton and Lizzy received the care she needed during the season and will continue to do so during her recovery.

“Lizzy faced a number of challenges on the road to her second Olympic gold medal and this is another example of her mental and physical strength in overcoming what could undoubtedly have been a distraction for her.”