WATCH: Roller-skater on path to success in international competition
A 17-year-old roller skater who trains in Wolverhampton has been selected to represent the country in a competition in the Netherlands.
Montana Giampaglia, who trains with Titanium Artistic Roller Skating Club, will represent Great Britain in the junior ladies free category at the Saen Roller Trophy in Zaandam, near Amsterdam, next month.
The teenager, who last year came third in the British Championships, said she was over the moon to be selected to represent her country.
WATCH Montana in action:
Montana, who lives in Coventry but travels to Wolverhampton to train every week, said: "I took part in a selection day a couple of weeks ago where people from all over the UK were trying out – and I was told I got into the GB team. I am so happy, I am really looking forward to the competition next month.
"Countries from all over the world will compete in this national competition.
"I worked really hard to get there, it's all down to my coach Tessa, she has always supported me.
"It is a great achievement as skating is not a recognised sport, it is all about passion. It makes the achievement more special.
"I have been skating for 12 years, ever since I was five years old and this will be my fourth selection for team GB."
Tessa Goodhead, Montana's coach at Titanium Artistic Roller Skating Club, which is based at Our Lady and St Chad Catholic Academy, added: "This competition is a huge opportunity for Montana.
"She is over the moon and we are now starting to get her costumes ready – she is elated. She has worked really hard over the last 12 months – her goal was to get chosen for an international competition and hopefully this is just the first time of many.
"Last year, Montana came third in the British Championships and will compete again in those in July. For this competition, there will be two performances that make up her total score.
"The club has been going for three years now and Montana has been training with us for the last couple of years. We are a small club, we probably have only got 10 members and we like that family atmosphere – we work hard together."
The Saen Roller Trophy competition takes place between April 3 and 5.
