Gillings is currently ranked fourth in the world

Snowboard-cross racer Zoe Gillings has said she is aiming to be the first Britain to win a gold snow-sport medal at the Winter Olympics in 2010.

The 23-year-old, from the Isle of Man, is Britain's top snowboarder and is set to begin training in Switzerland for this year's World Cup series.

She is currently ranked fourth in the world but is aiming to be number one.

"I've beaten all the top girls at one time or another but this season I need to win more consistently," she said.

"I have always wanted to be the best in the world and I intend to bring back at least one medal from the Vancouver Olympics.

"My experience at the Turin Olympics should stand me in good stead as I already know what the pressure is like."

Three years ago Gillings suffered a serious injury to her foot when she landed badly during a calendar shoot in Switzerland.

She was told by her surgeon that she would almost certainly never compete in snowboarding events again but went on to climb her way back into the top ranks.

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