The Sochi 2014 gold medallist set a track record of 51.46sec in the fourth and final run, bettering the 51.66 she posted in the opening run yesterday, for a cumulative time of 3min 27.28sec.

She finished 0.45 seconds ahead of Germany’s Jacqueline Loelling, with Yarnold’s team-mate Laura Deas a further 0.17 seconds behind in the bronze medal position after Janine Flock of Austria, the leader going into the final round, produced a disappointing run which saw her finish fourth. 

Earlier today, Izzy Atkin took bronze in the women’s ski slopestyle event, making it the first time Britain has won three medals in one day at the 96-year history of the Winter Olympics. 

It eclipses the two bronze medals won on a single day at the very first Winter Olympics, at Chamonix in 1924. 

"The emotions are still going through me, I don't really know what is going on," said Yarnold, who arrived here having only secured one podium place this season,  said.

"I believed I could do my best but it's something scary to think that far ahead, that maybe I could be a double Olympic champion.

"I didn't really let myself say that.

"I love big occasions like this - I love a stiff competition and the pressure.

"And I love being at the top and thinking this is it, it's the time to deliver.

"I can do this."

Yarnold aevealed she's been suffering from an illness in recent days and almost withdrew from the event.

"After the first run I was almost at the point of pulling out," she said.

"My chest infection was stopping me from breathing.

"I just tried to get the second run down and then fight another run.

"If it wasn't for my physio Louise Turner, I'm not sure I would be here.

"The emotions are gratitude to the whole team to get here, and relief, and exhaustion.

"And lots of crying."

With Deas’ bronze medal, this is the first time Britain has ever won two Olympic medals in one winter sport in one event.

Madge Syers and Dorothy Greenhough-Smith won gold and bronze for Britain in the women's singles figure skating event held as part of the Summer Olympics at London 1908. 

"I can’t believe I am part of a 'Super Saturday' - I never thought I’d be saying that," said Daes.

"I’m just extremely proud to be part of a historic day.

"I thought 'this must be a mistake, someone is going to tap me on the shoulder and say sorry'.

"I have worked so hard for this for the past nine years.

"My family are freezing their socks off and I am so glad they can be part of it.

"Lizzy is such a phenomenal athlete, she is so consistent, and she knows how to bring it when it matters."

Britain also won the women’s skeleton at Vancouver 2010, through Amy Williams, and has now won a specific event at three successive Winter Olympics for the first time.