The United States team accused Williams, who broke the women's skeleton course record last night, of having illegal aerodynamic features on the helmet she used at the Whistler Sliding Center.

"After an inspection of the helmet by the jury, it was determined that according to the helmet manufacturer, spoilers were an integral part of the helmet," the International Bobsleigh Federation (FITB) said in a statement.

"FITB rules state that a safety helmet should not have any additionally attached aerodynamic elements or adhesive tape [except that used to fix the visor and the goggle strap] and has to be without any spoilers or edges that stick out."

The British Olympic Association (BOA) said Williams' helmet had been checked and cleared before the start of the competition.

Williams holds a 0.30 second advantage over Germany's Kerstin Szymkowiak going into the third and fourth runs later as she seeks to become the first Briton to win an individual gold medal in the Winter Olympics since ice skater Robin Cousins at Lake Placid 30 years ago.

Noelle Pikus-Pace is the highest-placed American in fifth spot - half a second behind.

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