Virgin Atlantic Silver to UA Elite Status?

I jumped on board the free silver status with Virgin Atlantic last week. I was wondering if I would be able to do a status challenge on UA? I have a trip on Copa in Business class coming up that will net me about 12,600 miles one way.

Now, if I were able to do the status challenge with UA to match silver, and I was able to reach the miles needed for the Gold, would I be given gold or only silver?

Thanks!!

~Efilon87