The Commonwealth Games kick off in Australia this month, so NPLife sent Tamasine Johnson to catch up with competing triathlete Anneliese Heard to find out how she's feeling about the upcoming competition and if there is anything she misses about her home town of Newport.

The 2006 Commonwealth Games kick off in sunny Melbourne on March 15 and home- grown Newport talent Anneliese Heard is flying the flag for Team Wales in the triathlon. Consisting of three different stages, the triathlon is a gruelling race which includes a 1,500m swim, a 40km cycle ride and a 10km run.

Energetic Anneliese first got a taste for the demanding event 16 years ago and is amazingly still only 24 years old. In 1999 and 2000 she was crowned World Junior Champion and even competed in the Commonwealth Games aged 20.

This time Anneliese is hoping to exceed her previous ninth place position and is going for gold.

NPLife: How are you feeling about the upcoming Games?

Anneliese: My preparation for the games has gone really well so far. I've been based on the Gold Coast for the past month but have now moved to our holding camp just outside Melbourne with the other British triathletes. I'm really looking forward to competing and being part of Team Wales, it's such a great atmosphere down here already!

NPL: How did you get involved in the triathlon?

A: I started doing triathlon when I was eight. My brother competed and I used to go and watch before starting in the children's series.

NPL: What is your training schedule like at the moment?

A: It's about fine tuning and then resting up for the big day. The games fall out of our season, I don't usually start racing until May, so it's all been a bit rushed for us. Although I will compete before the games on the Gold Coast in the Aussie national sprint champs.

NPL: Where has your training taken you recently?

A: I am based between Newport and Swansea when I'm in the UK. But I spend most winters in Australia. I have just signed for a French team in Paris so will probably spend a little more time there throughout the summer.

NPL: You've been experiencing back problems, are you fit and well now?

A: I have got a back problem that I have to stay on top of as it gives me referred pain down my leg. As long as I keep doing the exercises from my physio and have regular massage it's fine.