Twenty-five-year-old Fiona Pennie, who resides in Nottingham, has been selected as the only British competitor in the women's canoe slalom event.

The daughter of Nigel and Maureen Pennie, from Crieff, and the grand-daughter of Dr Don. Pennie, a GP in Forfar for 35 years until his retiral a quarter of a century ago, Fiona is working hard towards her goal.

A full-time British athlete, Fiona has been involved in canoeing since she was introduced to the sport by her mother at the tender age of seven.

Her dedication to the sport led her to become Scottish champion on several occasions.

In 2005 she won the bronze medal in the European under-23 championships in Krakow as well as finishing tenth in the European championships in Tacen, Slovenia and, the following year, she was crowned UK champion.

Last year Fiona returned from the Slalom World Championships in Prague with a personal best silver medal, competing in the Women's K1 (kayak single) and her performance rounded off a fantastic weekend for GB canoeing.

The target now is to secure a medal at the top sporting event of all - the Olympic games in Beijing this August.

Father Nigel, head of the PE department at Morrison's Academy, Crieff, and mother Maureen hope to travel to the Chinese capital to cheer their daughter on to medal success.