Williams accuses Canada

Williams was forced to endure an anxious five-hour wait after storming to victory after the hosts decided to protest against the result, claiming her helmet breached regulations.

It followed just 24 hours after the same protest was lodged by the US team - which was also thrown out by the race jury.

Canada had invested big resources in skeleton success and had already been criticised for restricting their rivals training access to the track.

And while Jon Montgomery claimed the men’s title, World Cup winner and red-hot favourite Mellisa Hollingsworth was distant fifth in the women’s event.

"It was sour grapes from them," said Williams.

"The Canadians had a lot of good sliders and have invested an awful lot of money in getting them on the podium but the pressure was just too much.

"It’s a shame they did it but I’m not surprised. This is an easy sport to understand, if someone is quick they are quick, there doesn’t have to be a suspicious reason for it."

Canada have ploughed millions into their athletes ahead of these Games, after the embarrassment of failing to win a single gold on either of the previous times they’ve hosted the Olympics.

This time around they have enjoyed success - with four golds to their names and more chances to follow - but an inconsolable Hollingsworth is an example of how the pressure can make you crack.

Williams will receive her gold medal at a special ceremony in Whistler on Saturday evening local time and has been installed as the frontrunner to carry the flag in next week’s closing ceremony.

Olympics minister Tessa Jowell is also expected to recommend that the 27-year old receive recognition in the Queen’s next honours list.

And Williams can expect a home-coming to remember when she touches back down on home soil.

"I've spoken to my brother and sister who are now leading the party back home and spoken to a few friends," she added.

"They’re so excited and happy and having a whale of a time.

"They seem to be doing more media interviews than I am. I half wish I was back there sharing it all with them, but obviously I'm glad I'm here."

Meanwhile, British team boss Andy Hunt predicted more medals would follow in the days ahead - with podium chances in bobsleigh, short track speed skating and curling.

"We're not finished yet," he said.

"We've still got some more opportunities. Our bobsleigh men and women are in good form, we've got Jon Eley in the 500m speed skating and then we've got the curling.

"We have achieved what we wanted to do, which was to build on Turin.

"However, this must act as a catalyst in focus and funding and performance approach to winter sports and I think it will."