A TEENAGER who suffers from learning disabilities is celebrating after beating the odds to take victory in a skiing competition – despite it being her first time on real snow.

Lorina Gladin, 16, was diagnosed with autism and dyspraxia when she was young.

The Little Yeldham resident was told she would probably not even be able to ride a bike due to her balance and motor skills.

However, the Braintree college student has overcome her disabilities to claim gold at the Special Olympics Great Britain National Winter Games.

An avid skier, Lorina was inspired to take up the sport by younger sister Amber, who is also considered one of the fastest young skiers in her class.

The Special Olympics is the third Olympic movement and is for athletes with learning disabilities.

Athletes in the competition were categorised by their ability rather than age at the games in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, this month.

There are three categories – advanced, intermediate and novice.

Competing in the female intermediate division one, Lorina won gold in the slalom and giant slalom, and also picked up a bronze in the super giant slalom.

Her victories were even more amazing because it was her first time on real snow, having only skied on indoor slopes before.

Mum Natalie said she was exceptionally proud of her daughter’s achievements.

She said: “Lorina started skiing two-and-a-half years ago as we were always at ski slopes with her sister.

“She joined the Special Olympics Great Britain in 2018 to allow her to compete on an equal basis.

“Lorina trains weekly at the dry slope in Welwyn Garden City on Friday nights and with Ski MK Race Team at the Snozone in Milton Keynes early Sunday mornings.

“For a girl who has struggled to overcome her disabilities and prejudices associated with this, the Special Olympics has given her the freedom to compete and make friends from all over the country.

“Her aim moving forward is to be chosen for the Great British Squad for the Special Olympics World Games to be held in February 2021.”