TWINS Saskia and Imogen Sills have taken the windsurfing world by storm but both admit they are not neglecting their studies in case their sporting ambitions do not work out.

The well-grounded Tavistock College students, 15, have been competing since 2005 and last month Saskia was crowned Under 17 World Champion with Imogen taking the bronze medal after a tough competition in San Francisco where the winner was decided on the thrilling last race.

Every weekend is spent taking part in qualifying events all over the country for the championships or training on Roadford Lake even in the depths of winter when ice forms on the boards.

They admit having each other makes them competitive and motivated, so too does having an older brother, Sam, who is also a British windsurfing champion.

Saskia said: 'Because we are twins we are really competitive but when we are competing we really want each other to do well. We also motivate each other to get out there and train.

'You have to be highly motivated but we love the sport, no-one is pushing us to do it.

'We only have five training sessions a year with our coaches but competitors from other countries have five training sessions a week.'

The girls are now in the top five in the world in both heavy and light winds which they are really pleased about and have Olympic ambitions, but equally important to them is their academic studies.

Saskia added: 'If I don't become an athlete then I want to work with them and do something like sports sociology. We want to get good grades so it is something to fall back on if it doesn't work out with windsurfing.'

Tutors at Tavistock College are understanding to the demands of the sport and ease off on some of the homework if the girls have had a particularly gruelling weekend, travelling all over the country.

PE teacher Rhona Doyle said: 'Imogen and Saskia are 100% dedicated and motivated, purely from their passion and drive for the sport.

'They are quite an inspiration because with all the distractions at their age, they remain totally focused.'

The twins are now facing their next challenge which is to get selected for the Under 19 National Youth Team and gain sponsorship for some new equipment which they will need to progress on to the next level. They need around £8,000 each.

Saskia and Imogen have both been supported by Sport Aid in the past. Saskia was the OCS Young Sportsperson of the Year in 2009 and 2010 and Imogen was the Lloyds TSB Local Hero, gaining them £4,000 sponsorship between them.