A TEEN with high aspirations of reaching taekwondo world championships has already beat off tough competition to win herself two silver medals.

Harpenden schoolgirl Gurlaine Sidhu took up the sport at the age of six, and has since made it to the European qualifiers in Croatia and open championships in Cornwall.

The 15-year-old, who trains in Yiewsley, west London, says she has to maintain her determination to train five times a week.

Gurlaine, who is a pupil at St George's Primary School, said: “I have been doing it since I was six and over that period of time I have competed in so many competitions.

“An Italian team have even asked me to come and train with them, but I need sponsorship before I can live that dream.”

The 948 Foundation, which gives grants to budding sportsmen and women, has sponsored Gurlaine with £500, which has gone towards the costs to take part in the European competition, where she made it to the finals and picked up a silver medal.

She added: “My school has always supported me what I do and have always encouraged me to do more. Without the help of my teachers I wouldn't have got this far.”

Gurlaine, of Luton, said she started after it was recommended by a family friend.

“My mum's best friend's children did it, and since my brother started it has become a family thing," Gurlaine added.

“It's just something fun that keeps me fit. You actually feel a lot more safer when you are out.

“My mum's really proud, she never thought I would get so far. I have really worked hard for it and I want to get to the world finals.”