As preparations for the upcoming Vancouver Winter Olympics entered their final stages, Rudman finished less than half-a-second behind Melissa Hollingsworth of Canada with Germany's Kerstin Szymkowiak second. 
 
The result confirms Rudman, Hollingsworth and Szymkowiak as the dominant trio in the Women’s World Cup competition and also underlined that the 28-year-old from Pawsey will be Britain's biggest hope of a medal at the Olympics next month.
 
Rudman said: "A podium finish is fantastic but I am just so pleased that I got through the race in one piece.

"This week has been really tough.

"I had a bad crash in qualifying and was carrying the bruises from that into the race as well as still suffering from a virus I picked up over the Christmas period.

"After the crash, I was a little apprehensive and although it sounds a little crazy, I think these things make you mentally stronger as you just have to get on with it.

"I am taking a lot of confidence into the next race as I know there was more to had today - I was thinking about safety going through the Kriesel and put the anchors on a bit.

"The sled was set up brilliantly for the race by Richard [Bromley] and the Formula Ice team and their support helped me deliver a podium performance."

Rudman finished second in the Turin Olympics four years ago and hopes are high she will go one better in Vancouver.

She said: "As for being the top performing British athlete, I accept it and like it but I’m always try to compare my performances with the best around whatever their nationality."

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