Axminster is throwing its support behind former Axe Valley Academy student Marcus Wyatt, who is about to compete as part of Great Britain's Winter Olympics team,

Marcus, aged 30, who previously lived in Honiton and attended the school in Axminster, will be competing in the skeleton in Beijing, which will see him sliding down the icy track headfirst at speeds of up to 95mph.

Competitors initially push their sled for twenty or so metres, before diving onto it and then using their body strength to steer the sled down the track.

Marcus told Nub News: "The race is going to be tough, there are multiple Olympic gold medallists, world champions, race winners in the field so it's going to be really hard and there are probably over 10 people who could be in with a shout of a medal.

"The track is really technical, and mistakes seem to cost a lot of time, more so than other tracks so having four consistent race runs will probably be key as any major mistakes will probably take you out of medal contention."

Marcus has been training hard in Beijing to prepare for the race. He has two more days of training and then the race heats start.

He said: "The experience has been amazing so far; the facilities are unbelievable and it's just been so awesome being out here as part of team GB."

In a shout-out to his friends and family, Marcus said: "Thank you to all my family and friends and everyone who's supported me.

"It's been amazing to have such a great reaction to being selected in the team and the have you all cheering for me on race day means so much!"

You can watch Marcus in the heats from 1.30pm on Thursday, February 10 and from 12.20pm on Friday 11. The medal event will start at 13.55pm on Friday 11.

The Olympic television schedule is available here.