TWO teenagers are in training for future Winter Olympics after their talent was spotted during a bobsleigh taster session.

Mica McNeill and Faye Bowles attended the session at Camp Hill near Bedale, North Yorkshire, with no idea of what was to come.

Mica, who attends Durham High School for Girls, and Faye, who attends Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, in Darlington, were invited on the trip by Andy Woodward.

He is a sports coach at Mica’s school but also knew Faye from Darlington Harriers and Athletic Club.

Mica, 16, said: “We just went down for the fun of it with a group from school – I didn’t think anything would come of it.”

She and her teammate have been identified as potential competitors in the 2012 Youth Winter Olympics.

Faye, 18, and her teammate are hoping to compete in the Winter Olympics of 2014 and 2018.

The girls each have their own personal training plans, created with the help of current women’s bobsleigh world champions Nicola Minichiello, who is a bobsleigh driver, and Gillian Cooke, a brakeswoman.

They fit training three times a week around their studies and attend testing sessions with the rest of the GB squad at Bath University, home of the British Bobsleigh Association Faye’s mother, Helen, said: “It’s very difficult for Faye because she obviously doesn’t have a lot of free time. Having a social life is quite hard but when you’re dedicated to sport that’s what happens. It’s hard to keep up with her sometimes.”

Team Minichiello have supported the two girls since the beginning and recently spent a day with ex Olympian Cheryl Done, teaching them how to maintain a bobsleigh.

This is an essential skill as teams are required to look after their own bobs and equipment.

Next month, Faye and Mica will have their first taste of bobsleighing on ice.

They will be making their way to Iglis, near Innsbruck, in Austria, where they will gain their race licences.

Mica said of the trip: “I don’t know what to expect but I’m really excited.”

Mr Woodward, their fitness coach, said: “I am really impressed with the vision Nicola and her team have shown and the fantastic support that has been offered to the girls from the outset.

“My only worry is that the expense of the sport will prevent the girls from achieving their goals.”

Faye and Mica are looking for sponsors to help them on their way to the Olympics.

They are offering companies the chance to have their name on their bobsleigh in return.

Mr Woodward said: “A set of runners for the bobsleigh can cost up to £6,500 and it is reckoned that the sport will cost the girls in excess of £1,000 for flights, equipment and accommodation, in their first year, on top of the generous support from Team Minichiello.”

Anyone who wishes to sponsor the girls is asked to contact Mr Woodward on 07914-569956.