A Chepstow Comprehensive School pupil has put herself in the frame to compete at the Commonwealth and Olympic Games after her talent was spotted at a Sport Wales 5x60 track cycling session run by Monmouthshire County Council (MCC).

Despite it being her first attempt at track cycling, 15-year-old Ellie Campbell was encouraged to take part in UK Sport's Power2Podium programme with Welsh Cycling, as part of their search to unearth the sporting stars of the future.

After impressing coaches at Welsh Cycling and passing a series of speed and power tests, Ellie was chosen out of 1,000 other applicants to be part of the Power2Podium elite training programme, which uses the latest sports science, technology and coaching expertise to unleash the sporting potential of future athletes.

"I would hope someday to be selected to compete for Wales at the Commonwealth Games, or even Team GB at the Olympics," said Ellie.

"But for now I will be focussing on this great opportunity, going through the testing process and seeing what I can achieve."

Ellie will kick off 2012 with coaching and support from Welsh Cycling as they continue in their preparations for medal-winning success at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

For more on Ellie's story, see this week's Beacon (18th January)