A TALENTED schoolgirl is aiming for lift-off in her show jumping career, by competing for Britain at the Olympics.

Flixton Girls School student Angel Tough has already made starring appearances for her country.

She recently competed for Britain at a show at Oplgableek, Belgium.

She followed that up at the Wales and West Show where she competed against adult professionals and was placed third on the podium.

Angel, aged 14, said: "I have been around horses my whole life. I really love looking after them, exercising them and particularly show jumping with them.

"Show jumping is a great adrenalin rush. It’s the best feeling when I’m competing - aiming for a clear round with the time ticking down.

"I am lucky to be involved with the team GB, at such a young age and am really looking forward to competing again in Holland and Slovakia later this summer.

"My ambition is to go all the way and compete for my country at the Olympic Games.

"Riders need to be 18 years old before they can compete in an Olympic Games; meaning I’m aiming for 2024 selection, as I am only 17 be the time the next Olympics comes around."

Angel said that both her parents compete in show jumping and so it was a natural progression from attending local pony clubs and show jumping events for her to begin competing herself.

Her commitment to her sport means Angel spends a minimum of three to four hours after school including riding, grooming and cleaning tack and now also competes three to four times per week.

This dedication has led to her membership of the British Showjumping Academy and entrance into international competition where she has won various prizes in under 16s competitions and achieved third place in an under 23s competition at Addington Manor.

She has competed at the Echo Arena Liverpool International Horse Show for the past two years and won two of her classes.

An article from britishshowjumping.co.uk said ‘Tough has already shown her winning quality becoming the first rider at the inaugural Liverpool international event to claim a double victory.’

Angel has been chosen to compete on behalf of the British team throughout the year.