EMMA Holden has overcome a debilitating illness to become British ice-skating's fastest-rising star.

Twelve months ago, the teenager from Didcot was the tenth best junior in the land.

Next week, she will be almong an elite field of ten competing in the British Senior Championships at Dundonald in Northern Ireland.

The rise, in which she overtook all but one the juniors previously ahead of her, is a meteoric one.

What makes her rise even more remarkable is that Emma contracted shingles and then glandular fever from February to June this year.

"I'm a strong fighter and trained while I was ill," said the 19-year-old, who is now coached by nationally-recognised instructor, Lesley Norfolk-Pearce at Swindon.

After recovering from her illness, Emma trained even harder and qualified for the senior national championships by passing her 'Gold' Test in front of the top national judges in September. "I didn't expect to expect to pass, but was thrilled to do so and my ambition now is to get into the top five," she said.

Emma, who started skating when she was eight, trained at Oxford's Oxpens rink until 1996 but moved on to Swindon when there were signs that she could reach the top grade.

Since leaving Didcot Girls School, Emma has devoted all her time to skating, trains 23 hours a week and lives away from home. She says her family have been a great help.

Her mother, Rosalyn, said: "We are now in need of sponsorship as the cost has far too great for us to fund.

"Any help we receive will be one more step on the way up for Emma."

Emma has set her sights on competing in the 2002 Winter Olympics. For that to happen she must finish in the top three of next year's national championships.

At her current rate of improvement and with her determined attitude, that is surely a realistic prospect.

Story date: Tuesday 09 November

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