CHIPPENHAM sprinter Elaine O’Neill insists her European Championship debut was a mere dress rehearsal for the main event – the Commonwealth Games.

The 21-year-old won a spot on Wales’ 22-strong athletics team for Delhi following a double medal haul at June’s UK Championships – with silver in the 100m and 200m.

The former Sheldon School pupil was then selected to represent Great Britain in Barcelona for the European Championships – but failed to make it out onto the track in the 4x100m relay.

But O’Neill insists it wasn’t a wasted journey as the experience only left her wanting more ahead of an appearance in India.

“I have had a really good outdoor season this year,” said O’Neill. “I won two medals at the UK Championships in Birmingham and also set a personal best of 11.39 in Switzerland.

“So everything is shaping up pretty well for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi and although I’ve got a few little niggles they are not causing me any problems.

“Going out to the European Championships was absolutely incredible and even though I didn’t actually compete, it was still a great experience.

“The whole experience was a real eye-opener and it definitely made me more hungry for success at the top level, and seeing how all of the top athletes prepared for it was absolutely amazing.

“It was also great just to put faces to all of the names you hear and read about in the media, people like Dwain Chambers and Marlon Devonish and it really got me excited ahead of Delhi.”

Despite a lack of recent track time – racing competitively just twice since June – O’Neill is confident a place in the final is within reach.

“I haven’t had too much time out on the track recently but I am not going to use that as an excuse and still feel in good shape so I should be fine,” she added.

“In terms of targets for the Commonwealth Games I always set myself the goal of reaching the finals in major championships and this time is no different.

“Once you reach the finals, anything can happen, even if it is a really strong field.

“Who knows where I could finish up in Delhi – let’s hope it is on the podium.”