McCorkell battling illness ahead of Olympic debut

From Sportsbeat staff, in Vancouver

 JENNA McCorkell is battling to be one hundred per cent fit before she takes to the ice at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver on February 23.

FIGHTING ILLNESS: Jenna McCorkell is battling illness in a bid to be 100 per cent fit for her Olympic debut in Vancouver (Getty Images)

The 23-year-old has been suffering with a viral infection in her chest and throat for more than six weeks and was almost forced to pull out of the European Championships last month in Tallinn.

The seven-time British champion, who will be the first skater from Northern Ireland to compete in the Winter Olympics, still managed a personal best in the short program in Estonia before illness affected her free program and she finished down in 14th. 

But McCorkell is hoping she can build on her previous European Championships experience which saw her finish in the top ten in 2008 and 2009.

"I'm feeling a lot better now. I just have to build my strength again," she said.

"After the European Championships I wasn't allowed to practice for about five days because of the sinusitis.

"I decided to really rest for those five days to get those infections out of my system until the virus was gone.

"I wanted to try and compete and actually I had my personal best score in the short program.

"I was pleased with my skate but I had absolutely no conditioning."

The world number 20 had her first taste of the Vancouver ice at the Pacific Coliseum earlier this week and is aiming to make the most of her Olympic experience.

"It was amazing really to step out on the ice.

"The arena is extremely bright and that's something I'll have to get used to.

"We have the most amazing apartment. We can see the stadium where the Opening Ceremony will be held and the ball of light used to promote the Sochi 2014 Olympics.

"It's obviously really exciting for me, my coach and my family.

"We worked so hard for so many years and I am happy to be here, I want to do my best and make everyone proud."