Laidback efforts

At the Olympics in Beijing in 2008, there was a sarcastic sneer from Australia as Britain's medal tally passed theirs. They sniffed that we were only good at sports that involve sitting down: cycling, rowing, sailing, kayaking etc.

Many congratulations, therefore, to Amy Williams, the new Olympic going-downhill-frighteningly-fast-on-a-teatray champion. She proves that Britain are more than useful at sports that involve lying down too. For our next trick, an Olympic champion who wins in their sleep?

Williams's win also provides the perfect riposte for anyone who despairs when head teachers ban children from going outside in cold weather in case they slip and fall.