AMIE Cooper will fulfil her ambition to compete at the USAIGC World Championship in Orlando, Florida this week, thanks in part to Carterton Gymnastics Club coach Debra Courtenay-Crane

Cooper qualified for the US competition last year, but was unsure if she would be able to compete as she needed a coach to commit to training and accompany her on the week-long trip.

Fortunately, the Carterton coach stepped in to help Cooper train for four events: floor, bar, beam and vault.

Thanks to the financial support of family and friends, as well as local business Owen Mumford and the Emma's Trust charity, Cooper now has the opportunity to compete against gymnasts from the USA, Canada, Bermuda, Mexico, Romania, India and South Africa.

"We are really thrilled for Amie and pleased to be taking part in an event that will inspire young British gymnasts," said Courtenay-Crane.

"Amie is extremely motivated and hardworking. She deserves this opportunity of a lifetime."

And while Cooper is looking forward to competing on the world stage, the prospect also makes her feel nervous.

"I am a bit," she admitted.

"But Debra has helped me with my training and to prepare mentally, so I'm just really excited about having this opportunity."