GWENT swimming torpedo Bethan Coole has plenty of laps left ahead of her in the pool.

But as a veteran of the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, she is the elder stateswoman of Wales' youngest ever swimming squad and in team manager Bryn Williams' words, a "vital cog" to success in Manchester.

Penhow-based Coole is a member of the successful Torfaen Swimming Club and one of Wales' best hopes for medal glory at the 17th Commonwealth Games.

Amazingly still only 17, she possess the maturity of a swimmer beyond her years - and it's that maturity that she'll be calling on when she takes the plunge at the Manchester Aquatics Centre.

"I'm pretty cool at the moment and not really feeling the pressure," she revealed.

"It's great being there for the other swimmers and being on hand to give them advice when they need it. Some have already asked me what it's going to be like and I've been delighted to tell them," the freestyle specialists said.

"My training has gone really well and there has been no injuries or illnesses so I'm really pleased. I just can't wait now, it's going to be fantastic."

Squad members have only been given an insight into what events they will be competing in, but Coole is a certainty for the 200m freestyle and relay team.

Since her Commonwealth debut in 1998 the college student has risen among the UK ranks to become one of the country's bright hopes for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

"I've definitely improved as a swimmer since Kuala Lumpur - in my awareness and professionalism. Hopefully that will prove enough in Manchester."

Coole will be joined in Manchester by Monmouth's relay specialist Mackenzie Howe who will compete in either the 4x100 or 4x200 event.

But the pair's preparations have been hampered by Wales' inadequate swimming facilities. Without one 50m pool in the Principality the duo, along with the rest of the Welsh squad, have been forced to train in Somerset at the prestigious Milfield Academy.

Team boss Bryn Williams admitted: "It would have been easier with our preparations if we had a pool in either Cardiff or Swansea, but the facilities at Milfield are superb and their 50m pool is just what we require.

He added: "There's an excellent vibe in the squad. Everyone's focused and knows what they have to do. We all can't wait to get up there now."

Picture* Welsh swim team coach Gary Rosser (left) with Games hopefuls Owen Morgan (second left) Penhow's Bethan Coole and Monmouthshire-based Mackenzie Howe (right)