FIGURE Skating starlet Carmen Lee says her confidence is building as she attempts to repeat the achievements of her best friend Isabella Larkin at the British Championships.

The 14-year-old, who celebrates her 15th birthday at the end of this month, is targeting gold in the novice category (under 16) at the national competition in Sheffield in November.

That would see her emulate the achievements of fellow Swindonian Larkin, who won that title in 2009 and last year finished fifth in the junior category (16-18).

Competing for the second year as a novice in 2010, Lee collected the bronze medal in her best achievement in the sport to date, while despite illness another Swindon Ice Figure Club member, Vicky Jackson, ended a respectable 25th.

And now Greendown pupil Lee wants to push on a couple of stages further and become under 16 national champion, buoyed by her new-found self-belief.

“My aim would be to come first at the British Championships,” she said.

“Coming third last year gave me a bit more confidence, knowing I could do it, and that’s the kind of believe-you-can-do-it attitude you need to go there with.

“With all the training I’ve done on the camps as well, I’ve improved a lot.”

Long-term Lee has her hopes set high, ultimately wishing for a berth in the British squad at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

However, she accepts that there is a long way to go before she can realise that dream and is taking matters step-by-step at present, with a gradual progression through national and European competition required first.

“Going to the Olympics would be great and my aim would always be to get there,” said Lee, who is coached by Natasha Larkin, mother of Isabella, at the Link Centre.

“But also because there are so many steps on your way to the Olympics, those are my aim at the moment.”

In the warm-up to the British Championships, Lee will skate at the Junior IJS in Sheffield as well as the Deeside Novice IJS.

As an Asda Athlete partnered with Asda West Swindon, the teenager receives financial backing from the store to help her with various expenses.

She recently received a cheque for £286.37 which will help fund costs such as travel and coaching fees.