GWENT'S hottest triathlete Anneliese Heard isn't dwelling on a shin injury that nearly ruined her hopes of Commonwealth Games glory.

In fact the Newport-born star says she's fully fit and ready to leave her mark on the gruelling multi-discipline event in Manchester.

Taking time out from her Cardiff training camp, the 20-year-old revealed she was bursting with excitement and hungry to step out in front of the expectant crowds. "The injury is causing me no problems now," Heard said.

"I've been pushing ahead with training really hard. It's been going pretty well and I have no complaints."

Heard revealed how she would be using the Games as a learning curve in preparation for her ultimate goal - the 2004 Olympics Games in Athens. But the former double world Juvenile Champion isn't discounting her chances of a top display.

"A top five finish is a realistic goal, but a medal would be great. We've competed on the Manchester course twice and trained there too so we already have an advantage. "I'm hoping for rain, because that would hurt the Aussies chances who are obvious favourites.

"A lot depends on how the races develops. If its fast and tactical I stand a good chance," a confident Heard said.

Wales coach Chris Goulden was just as upbeat when talking about the young talents future.

"Anneliese is one of our up-and-coming stars and the Olympics in 2004 are where we are expecting a lot from her," he said.

"These games are her first on the world class stage. She will be competing against the best.

"No disrespect to athletics, but a lot of the top names don't compete at the Commonwealths. That's not the case with the triathlete.

"A realistic aim for Anneliese is a top 12 finish. If she can do that it would be a good games for her."

The Welsh triathlete team have been getting some expert cycling advice from Olympic Games gold medalist Chris Boardman.

And its that same advice that Heard believes gives the Dragons an extra bite over their opponents this Sunday.

She said: "Chris has been pointing out stuff to us that we would never have known like possible braking points. It's a very hard technical course so his input will give us a big advantage.

"Success will depend on the way the race turns out. You need a bit of luck and hopefully we'll have it."