PEMBROKESHIRE's wheelchair sport whizz-kid Lily Rice has struck world silver across the Atlantic.

The 14-year-old from Manorbier was the only GB representative at the World WCMX Championships in California at the weekend.

She turned in a stunning performance in the contest's women's division to claim a superb second place.

And she is now being hailed as a global leader in the fast-growing sport of WCMX (wheelchair motocross).

Lily hit the headlines last autumn when she became the first female in Europe to achieve a wheelchair back flip, and only the second girl in the world to pull off the stunt.

Lily was hailed as "THE future of WCMX."

The world's first backflip honour is held by former world champion Katherine Beattie, who Tweeted: "This girl is THE future of WCMX! I've never seen anyone rider like her."

Lily, a Year 9 pupil at Tenby's Greenhill School, travelled to the USA with her mum and dad Jenni and Mark and her 11-year-old sister Amber.

Said Mark: "The whole experience was just amazing - the atmosphere, the riders and families for making us feel so welcome, and Lily has certainly made friends for life."

Riding in 27 degree heat, Lily went nervously into the qualification rounds, emerging in fourth place.

But Saturday's final saw her confidence soar and she pulled off some outstanding moves to emerge with a silver medal, just two points behind the eventual winner, local girl Alyssa Montenegro.

Said Mark: "All the women rode well; we thought she (Lily) took possibly a third place, but when they announced Santa Monica local legend Tracey G had bronze we thought Lily was out of the running."

A long pause heralded the announcement of Lily as the silver medal winner and, said Mark: "We couldn't believe our ears. We all cried tears of happiness.

"Lily was in a state of shock before the biggest smile we have ever seen. She was still buzzing 24 hours later."

Lily's silver world medal.

Lily was followed throughout the championships by a team from BBC 3 and Mark said: "Even they cried!

"Once they had seen the atmosphere, the determination of the competitors young and old they were straight on the phone to their bosses telling them it needed to be aired on BBC sport.....so fingers crossed".

Lily and world WCMX champ Aaron Fotheringham.

World champion Aaron Fotheringham - who donated his old WCMX chair to Lily - retained his title and watched Lily's performance closely.

Added Mark: "He was stoked to see his old chair put to such good used, and him and Lily were seen laughing many times over the course of the week...just magic! Who says you can't make dreams come true."

"Moving forward, the next event takes place in Germany in August, but more importantly, Lily wants to continue to encourage others into the sport and promote social inclusion."

Follow Lily on Instagram @hsp.me; Facebook Lily Rice WCMX and Twitter @LilyRice_WCMX