Young ice skater Courtney Wagon is dreaming of Olympic glory after winning a bronze medal in a national competition.

The talented 14-year-old first took to the ice when she was just six and her dedication to her sport saw her compete in the Solo British Ice Dance Championships in Sheffield last month.

She came third in the solo skating competition for her age group and her performance included sequence steps and her favourite element, spins.

Courtney combines her studies at Rainham School for Girls with training four times a week at Silver Blades Ice Rink in Ambley Road, Gillingham, with her coaches Sharon and Gary Jones.

She is also a member of the British figure skating development squad and takes part in training camps three times a year. At the camps she learns about healthy diets for athletes and how to improve her fitness and is given professional help.

Courtney said: “When I first started skating, I was looking for a hobby. I went to the ice rink for a disco and loved it straight away.

“At the competition I was a little bit nervous, but compared with last year I was more excited. I was surprised to place third.”

Mum Karen said: “We’re so proud, I don’t think there’s any words to explain how we feel.”

Courtney competed in the championships last year, in a lower category, but as she did so well she was moved to a higher ability group this year.

Mrs Wagon said: “She was nervous last year but this time a bit calmer. She said ‘Mum, I’m going to give it 110%, go out there and enjoy it’.”

The determined teen, who lives in Rainham, is aiming to come first in next year’s competition.

She said: “For next year I have got to do a test to get up to the next group and then I have to wait for the competitions to start again next February. I’d like to be a coach or one of the dancers in Disney on Ice and get a partner and compete in the Olympics.”