A TEENAGER who was inspired by London 2012 Olympic Games is determined to set her own path to Olympic Gold.

Daisy Cooil, 13, from Richmond, has been kayaking for less than three years and first started under the guidance of Richmondshire Leisure Trust instructor Chris Emmerson.

He said: “When I first saw Daisy in a boat I could see she had talent – and she has had a meteoric rise through ability groups since then.”

Daisy is currently pursuing her dream of breaking into the GB junior team, and has aspirations of competing and winning medals in the 2020 Olympic Games.

She said: “I was inspired to push myself after meeting athletes when I was at the London 2012 Olympics – it really encouraged me to become an Olympic athlete myself.”

Richmondshire Leisure Trust general manager Austin Gordon added: “What Daisy has achieved in such a short space of time is unprecedented, the future looks very bright for her and I think she will be a major success for the area.

“Richmondshire is the most rural district in the country so to have the likes of swimmer Joanne Jackson and hopefully Daisy Cooil as a future medal winner is a real credit to those that have helped and supported these athletes.”

Daisy is looking for local sponsors to help her in her pursuit of her Olympic dream. Anyone who can help can contact Austin Gordon at Richmondshire Leisure Trust on 01748-824581

For more information visit rltrust.org.uk