Olympic hero Shelley Rudman has given birth to a baby girl.

Ella Marie Bromley was born on Saturday. Shelley who sped to fame in the skeleton bob event at the Turin Winter Olympics in February, 2006.

Shelley, who grew up in Pewsey, was a teaching assistant at Devizes School at the time of her success.

She says she wants to be back in training for the skeleton bob within six weeks.

Ella-Marie was born at 6.36am on Saturday 6th October (exactly the day she was due) at the Jessops hospital, Sheffield, weighing 7lbs 10 ounces.

Commenting on the birth, father Kristan Bromley said: "We are delighted to announce the birth of our daughter - both mother and baby are happy and healthy. Watch this space! Ella-Marie's sled is already on the design drawing board."

Shelley said: "She is everything we wished for. It's not often babies arrive when they're due, so it's reassuring that Ella-Marie already has a very healthy appreciation of timing. We are absolutely delighted."

Kristan Bromley who is competing in the World Cup this coming season will be traveling to Norway on Sunday to begin preparation for this season, and Shelley Rudman hopes to return to training in 6 weeks time.

The couple plan to manage both their new family and compete simultaneously over the coming years until Vancouver 2010.