Paula Walker

http://www.teamgb.com/athletes/paula-walker

Paula Walker has been a Cpl in the Royal Signals for 11 years and first took up the bobsleigh when an Army friend needed a brakewoman at the Army Championships. Shortly after she was invited to take part in the GB trials. Walker made her GB debut in 2006 as a brakewoman for Jackie Gunn and after one season at the brakewomen position Walker moved to driving. Her first season driving saw her place 5th at the 2007 Junior World Championships.

Late in 2009 Walker’s father was diagnosed with terminal myeloma cancer (blood cancer). With his blessing and encouragement Walker continued competing and her hard work paid off when she qualified for the debut Games in Vancouver competing in the 2 women bob alongside Kelly Thomas where they finished 11th.

Following Vancouver, Walker continued to balance competing on a World Stage and spending time with her family. By the 2011 Junior World Championships her father was very ill, but knowing her potential he sent her packing to Salt Lake to compete. Walker went on to win the Junior World Championships with Sochi 2014 teammate Bex Wilson. A fitting tribute to her father who passed away in March 2011.

The Sochi 2014 Games will be extra special as Walker’s mum, who has never seen her compete, will be attending with her Grandmother.

Walker lives with her boyfriend, GB1 driver John Jackson, in Trowbridge. Her hobbies are baking and shopping and she loves anything pink.

England & Wales, Birth Index, 1916-2005

• Name: Paula Jean Walker
• Mother's Maiden Surname: Cowell
• Date of Registration: May 1986
• Registration district: Leicester Central
• Inferred County: Leicestershire, Rutland, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire
• Volume Number: 6
• Page Number: 2068