Imagine Ian Thorpe missing out on the Olympics because he could not afford to go and you can understand why Ashfield ice-skating pairs champion Danika Bourne gets frustrated.

Although Bourne, 23, and partner Sasha Petrov, 27, are hot contenders for the Winter Olympics, they often have to forfeit competing with the world's best because they cannot afford to attend overseas events. And, when they do sometimes manage to attend the international championships, they go without their coaches and training sessions because the funds are just not enough to meet expenses.

"It's a constant financial battle and it's really frustrating," Bourne told the Weekly. "We have so much potential but we're afraid, without sponsorship, we will never reach it."

Bourne, who grew up in Brisbane, began ice-skating at 12 and was instantly hooked. Later, when she moved to Western Australia, her passion and talent grew until she had trouble finding a worthy male partner. So she sent a video to eminent Sydney-based Russian skating coaches Andre and Maria Philippov.

"They told me I had great potential and because I was so committed and willing to put in the hard work they arranged for Sasha to come out from Russia," Bourne said. "We've been partners now for the past 2 1/2 years; we're like Torvill and Dean I guess."

The pair skate more than four hours a day and do several gym, lifting and ballet sessions a week. They leave home at 5am and finish at 9pm, which leaves little time for work or other activities. Luckily, some of their supporters, such as gym trainer Michael Sacatides, have waived costs to help them achieve their Olympic dream.

Bourne and Petrov have to miss out on championships in Croatia next month to ensure they have funds for February's Four Continents Championships in Korea, a qualifier for the world champs before the Winter Olympics, which will be staged in Turin, Italy.

"We don't earn money from our sport because we are amateurs. If we were professional we wouldn't be able to compete in the Olympics," Bourne said.

The pair have been NSW State champions, Australian silver medallist ice dancers and are considered one of the world's best pairs skaters.