WHEN Anna Henderson first dreamt of competing at an Olympic Games, the image she had in mind was of a Winter Games and alpine skiing.

Henderson will have a chance of being Britain’s first medallist at these Summer Games when she makes her Olympic debut in the women’s time trial on the streets of Paris on Saturday, but before taking to two wheels the 25-year-old was Britain’s junior national slalom champion.

“When I was really young I think [a winter Olympics] was the original childhood dream,” Henderson told the PA news agency. “Slowly I realised I wasn’t that good, I was at a good level as a junior by British standards but not compared to the other countries that have snow.

“Coming into cycling I knew I was physically good and I really wanted to be the best that I could become, so it’s really special to be at a summer Olympics — any Olympics regardless of the season!”

Henderson made the switch to cycling at the age of 15. The sport had been a key component of her recovery from a broken leg until it took over completely.

“I kind of played with going back to skiing but then realised that cycling was where I wanted to be and where I wanted to go,” she said. “I took that path and never looked back. It’s been a wild ride since then but I’m really thankful and it’s special I can be here.”

That wild ride has included two British time trial titles, a silver at last year’s European championships, and fourth place at the world championships in Glasgow a little under 12 months ago — missing out on a medal by just two seconds.

There are bigger names on the start line in Paris, including the likes of Chloe Dygert, Demi Vollering and Grace Brown, but Henderson is a genuine contender for a podium spot.

The time trial will take place on a 32km course around the centre of Paris, finishing on the famous Pont Alexandre III.