The snow queen

GB snowboarder Jen Osborne is currently 188 in the world, up almost 100 places from the start of last season.

The former Williamwood high pupil splits her time between competing for the British snowboard cross team in the Europa circuit, training in France and studying at Strathclyde university.

In the inaugural English championships, the youngster won second place in the open female category.

The budding athlete, who began her love of snow sports at aged three, told ExtraSport: “It was a great event which was very well attended by British team athletes. I was delighted to medal.

“The 2014 Olympics comes so soon after joining the GB team, but my ultimate goal is to compete at the winter Olympics 2018.

I’m aiming to progress to the top level within the next two seasons.

“I have a competitive nature, and this has been satisfied through various sports at school, swimming and horse riding.

“Snowboarding really took hold when I joined Strathclyde university’s Snowsports team.”

The university’s sports unionawarded her a sports bursary, and in recognition of her achievements to date she has been awarded university Elite Athlete status.