WINTER OLYMPICS: That's our girl!

Craig and Ainsley McCorkell will travel 16 hours on flights via Belfast and London to Vancouver on February 20.

And mum Ainsley says they could not be more proud of their daughter who has dedicated her life to reach the pinnacle of her sport.

"This is her dream.

"It's what she always wanted to do. She has spent 16 years of her life dedicated to it and has always put 110 percent into everything she does.

"She has come a long way from when she started skating at the Jet Centre when she was just seven."

Ever since she was a youngster, Jenna's parents and indeed the whole family have supported her through the many highs and lows of her figure skating career.

"I'm just so glad she is going to make it this time after missing out in (Turin, Italy] 2006", reflected Ainsley.

"She was devastated not to go as she had a back programme which she still gets physio treatment on each week.

"We have been so worried for her as she has been really struggling with a chest infection since Christmas. A doctor in Brussels has now given her a fourth course of antibiotics to try to clear it up.

"It's really taken a lot out of her. The previous three courses affected the muscle and hopefully this course won't.

"When I spoke to her she was in good form although she hasn't been able to do as much practice because of it."

If gold medals were given out for sheer grit and determination then Jenna would be the first on the podium.

Jenna refused to lie down to the chest infection as they watched her perform in January's European Championships at Saku Suurhall in Tallinn, Estonia, last month.

"The doctor pleaded with her not to skate but she just wanted to do the short programme to see how she felt.

"In saying that, it was a grat skate but by the time she was three-quarter way through her free programme she was exhausted and had no energy. She was like death warmed up!"

Despite this Jenna finished in 14th place - a remarkable effort.

"That's what a lot of people don't realise," said Ainsley. "The amount of work and effort Jenna has put in to get there. It's six days a week, maybe two or three times on the ice each day.

"She will be flying to Vancouver on Monday with 48 kilos of kit. She will have five suitcases of Olympics kit, all sponsored. You've never seen anything like it!"

The McCorkells would love to have joined Jenna in Canada for the opening ceremony this Friday but the enormous costs involved simply made it impossible.

Ainsley revealed: "We booked through the British Olympics Association - eight nights in a hotel with no food involved and the cost is 5,000. We paid 705 for middle of the range seats for her short and free programme. The cost has been horrendous.

"But obviously we wanted to be there as it is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we're excited about going.

"There are 30 skaters going to the Olympics and Jenna wants to get into the top 24 and then see how it goes. She'll give it everything."

And what of the future?

"She'll be going to the World Championships in Torino, Italy in the middle of March and all being well I think Jenna would still like to aim for the Europeans in Sheffield in 2012. Knowing her, she might even try for the next Olympics.

"Her long term dream is to come back to Coleraine and teach kids to skate - if a rink ever does get opened up here."