O'Neill gears up to battle for GB place

Rejuvenated Elaine O'Neill opens her 2012 season at the Midland Indoor Open meeting at the Alexander Stadium today.

The 22-year-old international sprinter, from Chippenham, has finally shaken off her injury problems and is relishing the new year with the ultimate prize of winning a place in the Great Britain team for the Olympic Games in London.

"My training has been going really well and I am very excited about the start of the indoor season," said O'Neill.

"I feel I have been able to train properly this winter, whereas last year I had to take time out to have the operation on my ankle.

"At the time it felt like I was taking ten steps back, but it was essential to have the op to allow me to move forward.

"Last summer I had a rather wishy-washy time because I didn't have the right training behind me I am feeling a lot better now."

O'Neill will open up with a 60 metres at Birmingham before moving onto the South of England Championships in London next weekend as she builds up to the Aviva UK Championships and World Indoor trials at Sheffield on February 11-12.

"After last year it is all about consistency for me and, if I can get in the right training, then I can challenge for a relay spot at the Olympics," she added .

O'Neill is also looking for assistance to achieve her ambition of representing Britain in London and has issued a plea to Wiltshire businesses.

"If I can get some sponsorship that would really help me to prepare for the Olympics and realise my dream of qualifying for my country," said O'Neill.

"If there is any individual or business out there who is interested in helping me I would be happy to talk to them."

For further information please contact O'Neill by email at: oneille00@hotmail.com

The big cross-country meeting this weekend is the McCain Cross Challenge in Cardiff tomorrow.

Taunton AC's Naomi Taschimowitz, who finished runner-up in the European Under-23 Championships before Christmas, will be among the favourites in the women's race.

Wells City Harrier Frank Tickner will look to continue his return to top form in the men's race, while Cornish star Annabel Gummow will be seeking victory in the under-20 women's event.

The next round in the Brooks Westward Cross-Country League takes place at Bideford tomorrow, while Tawstoke hosts the North Devon League.

There are a number of multi-terrain events tomorrow, including the Riverbank Rollick in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire (www.thornburyrunningclub.co.uk), the Dawlish Oh My Obelisk event in south Devon (www.dawlishcoasters.co.uk) and the Rough 'n'Tumble Ten near Marlborough, Wiltshire (www.grassroots.co.uk).

Several local pole vaulters, including the Team Bath pair of Hannah Grubb and Clare Dyer, are off to Manchester this weekend for the Vault Manchester competition.

The next round in the Weston Prom five-mile series will be held on Thursday (7.30pm) with entries taken on the night as usual.

For further details go to the website at: www.westonac.co.uk.