FOUR years ago, Paula Walker hadn’t even climbed in to a bobsleigh, yet next month she will represent Great Britain in the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

The 23-year-old from Blackburn was this week named in the Great Britain squad for the Games which begin in Canada on February 12.

It completes a remarkable rise in fortune for the former St Bede’s High School pupil who only took up the sport after the last Winter Olympics in Italy in 2006 had finished.

For Walker, it is a rise nearly as quick as the 70mph speeds her sled can reach hurtling down the icy slopes.

“I still can’t believe it,” said the corporal in the Royal Signals, who was officially named at a British Olympic Association press conference in London.

“It is all a bit surreal. Sir Steve Redgrave was at the official launch which was all flashing lights and lasers.

“I’ve only been in the sport a few years and it hit home that I am going to the Olympics.”

Walker was named in the GB2 women’s two-man bob team along with Kelly Thomas from Dartford.

Her boyfriend, John Jackson, was named in the men’s bobsleigh team.

The bobsleigh teams fly out to America next week for a two-week holding camp before flying up to Vancouver for the opening ceremony on February 12.

The women’s two-man bobsleigh takes place on February 22-23 where Walker and Thomas will compete over four runs.

The former rugby player and athlete climbed in to a bobsleigh for the first time at the back end of 2006 — and when she did it was under duress and the most terrifying of experiences.

But she persevered and since then she has progressed from a brakeman to an accomplished driver.

Despite still being classed as a junior and a rookie in bobsleigh terms, she is ranked 12th in the world following an impressive season in the World Cup where she finished in 15th place overall.

Walker is not expected to be in the challenge for medals next month with the Sochi Games in Russia in 2014 and more realistic chance of glory.

She said: “I know I won’t be challenging for the medals.

"But I aiming for a top 10 finish and if I can achieve that then I would be delighted.”

Her parents, Paul and Denise still live in the family home in Feniscowles.