Winter Olympics: Leonora legend Kiara Reddingius clocks fast start in Olympic debut

WA’s Kiara Reddingius has made a fast start in her Olympics debut, with the Leonora legend and her Aussie teammate Breeana Walker less than one second off the pace in Beijing.

Reddingius and Walker sat in 15th after the first heat of the 2-woman bobsleigh event at the Winter Olympic Games.

Their second run saw them jump into 12th ahead of the final two heats on Saturday.

It’s a remarkable feat for Reddingius who only took up the sport 10 months ago.

The 30-year-old Goldfields product had excelled in the heptathlon before making the switch to the winter sport.

And on Friday night, Reddingius and Walker put down a fast 1:01:98 in the first heat, behind German leader Laura Nolte.

Reddingius’ mum Rosemary admitted she was nervous watching on from the The Central Leonora pub.

“Whatever happens, happens,” she said.

“I know she will be visualising it and be keeping very calm.

“Hopefully she’s in the zone.”

Reddingius hadn’t even seen snow before last November, and now just three months later, she’s in a starring role attempting to win gold.

While her family and friends gathered in the local town spot after a day of 34C heat, Reddingius was out on the ice in -6C chill.

Reddingius and Walker will get another chance to impress on Friday night, with the second heat taking place from 9.30pm.