A story for our times. A young gymnast with the potential to compete in the London Olympic Games is facing massive hurdles in her bid for glory.

Jess Wood, 12, has the potential to be part of the Great Britain team in 2012. The London regional champion for 11-year-olds, she represents London in national tournaments. However, she and other young gymnasts are not being given the opportunity to fulfil their potential after their local club was closed due to the lease running out.

Flats are now being built on the site and Jess’s mum, Liz ,says: “We have had no help from the council. We have written to our MP and contacted the BBC but none have showed any interest. Jess is currently training in a pull-out gym in Romford, which is too far to travel, and she does not have all the correct equipment.”

Jess, who has been a gymnast since the age of four, trains 18 hours a week during term time, and up to six hours a day in the school holidays. She recently entered a competition at Lilleshall, the home of UK gymnastics, and was only beaten in one event - by the top gymnast in the country - even though she trains far less.

The competition season, which begins in March, will be a big factor in Jess’s development. “The competitions will be vital this year for her,'' says her mum. ''Last year her school were understanding when she was taking days off but now she goes to secondary school, they may not be as supportive."

Gymnastics is a very expensive sport to participate in and any funding offered is performance-based and critically assessed. The high expense of the sport is due to the equipment used, payment for coaches and  excessive travelling.