Amber slaloms to success on the slopes

Eight-year-old Amber Fennell slalomed to success on her skis in Dublin to claim the Irish Open Championships and the European Championships in her under-10 age category.

The Hurst Green Primary School pupil from Halesowen started skiing when she was four, but only began snowboarding recently and has already made an impression on the board.

The recent Irish and European success is the top achievement to date for the youngster, who wants to follow in the snow trails of her very own idols.

She competes in the under-10 age category in skiing and under-12 in her snowboarding section.

And Amber's supportive family and No 1 fans, mum Jenni and nan Dianne, get their own thrills from seeing their star chasing her passion.

Dianne said: "She started skiing at a young age and took to it, and has raced several times over the years.

"I think she's raced 22 times and made the podium in 18 of them. It's been amazing.

"We had a great weekend in Dublin and for Amber to win them both topped it off."

But the ambitious youngster isn't ready to stop there. Despite remaining extremely grounded, she is keen to reach the very top.

Her grandmother said: "It's really serious for Amber. Her ambition is the Winter Olympics.

"She's met idols of hers like Jenny Jones (snowboarding Winter Olympic medalist) and it inspires her to go and do what they are."

But the eight-year-old remains hard-working in her studies and although her sporting prowess sees her travelling all over the country and continent, she still has time to study.

Dianne said: "Hurst Green are ever so good with her competing. They understand how busy she is, but that doesn't put Amber off.

"She chose to have a tutor, so that just shows how committed she is to learning properly. It's such a nice atmosphere when she trains and competes.

"She gets to meet a lot of people and has made many friends through it and I think it's a good thing for keeping kids off the computers."

Fennell trains in the multi-complex SnowDome in Tamworth, where Jake Overton is her snowboard instructor, but she also travels down to Hemel Hemstead every Friday to hone her skills.

Her ski club is the Midland Ski Club in Birmingham, where Roger Crombleholme oversees her development at the Ackers Adventure centre.

Dianne said: "The Midland club is a tremendous place and has always been great for Amber.

"They have someone their to film her training so we can see where she needs to improve.

"There are upwards of 50 people there every week and that goes right up to the Masters age groups."

Mum Jenni, who is currently out with Amber in Tignes, France on a training trip, struggles to hide the pride that comes with her daughter's successes.

She said: "It's very time consuming and expensive for us as a family. But it's very, very worthwhile. We're so proud.

"Amber has always loved the thrill of ski races but her passion seems to be in snowboarding. Doing all of the tricks as part of the freestyling seems to be her passion now.

"To see her boarding on the big kickers and the high rails is amazing. I get a bit more nervous on the freestyles, because of the height and difficulty of the tricks.

"She's had one fall where there were suspected broken ribs but that's all part of it.

"It's tough for her because of her age group. At eight she's generally always the youngest competing in skiing and snowboarding."

Despite what she lacks in years, Amber makes up in ability and took home a brilliant silver medal at Manchester's English Slopestyle in June.

For the last two years, the youngster has trained in Lake Tarho, California, with further trips to Italy and Switzerland to come over the coming months.

She is currently in training for her first dry slope board event in Scotland, as the competitions continue to come thick and fast.

Jenni said: "We have to stay away at places so it does become costly for us as a family, but it's all worth it. Sometimes, it's more the equipment.

"We recently had to pay £1,150 for four skis. There are not many kids around that have done so well in both disciplines and we are so proud of Amber."

Any businesses that may be interested in sponsoring Amber can contact Dianne on lesleyh@blueyonder.co.uk or on 0121 602 0829.