THE parents of Olympic silver medallist Shelley Rudman have spoken of their joy at the birth of their granddaughter.

Speaking from her home in Pewsey, Shelley's mum, Josie Rudman, said: "We have a lovely little granddaughter. We went up to Sheffield on Saturday to see her.

"Shelley and Ella-Marie are both well. Shelley started having twinges at about 4pm on Friday but Ella-Marie was not born until 7.30am on Saturday.

"Still, they are in the best of health and that is all that matters. Shelley is proving a wonderful mum."

Ella-Marie tipped the scales at 7lb 10 ozs.

Mrs Rudman added: "Shelley is now keen to get back into training as soon as possible. She had been training gently all the time she was pregnant, under strict medical advice.

"But now she has her eyes set on starting competing in the Continental Cup in January.

"Lots of athletes combine a family with a successful career. I'm sure Shelley will cope."

Mrs Rudman said Shelley was hoping to return to Pewsey some time in November to show off her first-born child.

The couple took pictures of their new grandchild but were disappointed they did not come out on their camera.

Shelley became an overnight sensation in February, 2006 when she sped to the silver medal in the skeleton bob in the Turin Winter Olympics.