Ellia Smeding named as 50th and final Team GB athlete for Winter Olympics

Long-track speed skater Ellia Smeding will compete for Great Britain in Beijing after setting national records in the 500m, 1,000m and 1500m last month. Photograph: Peter de Jong/AP

Britain will send a team of 50 athletes to the Winter Olympics that will be more competitive in more disciplines than ever before, Team GB’s chef de mission has predicted.

Georgina Harland said athletes were ready to write a new chapter in the country’s history and challenge established alpine countries in the pursuit of a record Winter Games haul in Beijing.