COMMONWEALTH Games hopeful and Welsh record holder Bethan Coole (pictured) is confident of success against her English and Scottish rivals in today's trials in Manchester.

The 17-year-old from Penhow broke the Welsh 200 metre backstroke record almost a year ago, and smashed the 200 metres freestyle record two weeks ago at the Vittal Championships in Paris.

Almost certain of making the qualifying times in the tri-nations event against England and Scotland which double as the Welsh trial, Coole will compete in the same pool where she will represent her country in the Commonwealth Games' finals this year.

The ultra-fit teenager is entering the 100, 200 and 400 metres freestyle as well as the 200 metres backstroke and 100 metres butterfly.

Commenting on her record-breaking swim in Paris, she said: "We didn't really expect it. "I was concentrating so much on getting in shape for this week and I had had very little rest, so to break the record was a great encouragement."

Bethan swam for Wales in the Commonwealth Games four years ago in Kuala Lumpur when only 13. Although not placed in the singles races, her team managed to get to the 4x200m relay final.

"I was unaware of all the pressure my position involved back then," she said. "I'm not sure how Manchester will compare to Kuala Lumpur in terms of facilities, but I'm going in with much more experience."