A TALENTED young figure skater is determined to battle back from injury and get back on the ice in a bid to fulfill her dreams of one day reaching the Olympics.

Hawarden High School pupil Maisie Jones, 12, has struggled with her Achilles tendons and stress fractures on her feet for many years.

However, after a flare up of her symptoms on a family holiday, the youngster, who has previously represented Wales, has been forced to take six-months off from the sport she loves.

Proud mum Lisa Jones, of Mancot, said: “On our return, after an emergency appointment at Gobowen Hospital, Oswestry, she was admitted for two weeks for intensive physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. She was diagnosed with flat feet and complex regional pain syndrome.

“Maisie took the news well. I think after having a few small breaks and still struggling with the pain she knew it was for the best. She is having special insoles made for her boots.”

The summer had started well for Maisie, who finished second at the Deeside Open skating competition in June. She is also half way to achieving her qualifications to reach British Championship standard after representing Wales in a competition in Aberdeen.

Mrs Jones added: “She has also had her place confirmed for another year on the Great Britain Regional Development Team.”

Despite suffering these major setbacks Maisie, who works with coach Hayley Pardo at Deeside’s ice rink, is determined to continue skating and is hoping for good news next month from her physiotherapist.