By Sarah Holt

McConnell models Team GB's new Adidas technology kit as she prepares for a fresh start

The one-lap women's race went through a sea change in 2004, turning into one of the most exciting events on the circuit.

At world level, Bahamian Tonique Williams-Darling fulfilled her potential by winning Olympic gold in Athens - and knocking dominant Mexican Ana Guevara of her perch in the process.

Back home Christine Ohuruogu rose from nowhere to take a shock AAAs title from under McConnell's nose.

And a crop of 400m runners have either returned to form - like Donna Fraser - or risen up through the ranks - such as Kim Wall - to provide serious competition to the Scot for the British number one spot.

"The event did step up quite a bit last year," McConnell told BBC Sport.

"Now it's a case of trying to step up with them. Everyone is back running well so it should be an interesting year on the domestic side too."

But McConnell says she is relishing the friendly rivalry at domestic level and knows it improves Team GB's chances of 4x400m relay gold at August's World Championships.

And the quartet of Melanie Purkiss, Fraser, Catherine Murphy and McConnell have already got the season off to a good start, winning bronze at the European Indoors.

It was mentally draining knowing that the injury was there and it was going to affect your performance and there was nothing you can do about it Lee McConnell

"We were all glad to finally get a medal at the Europeans and want to continue that into the next few years," McConnell said.

"Each of us has our ambitions in the individual races but we are still focused on the relay.

"We do think we are capable of winning a medal and we're striving towards the same goal. We're friends off the track and we all get on, so that helps."

While McConnell's team-mates will be firmly focused on success at the worlds in Helsinki, the Scottish 26-year-old has set her sights on a simpler aim - staying injury-free.

Fraser (l-r), Wall, Purkiss and McConnell celebrate their indoor bronze

McConnell established herself as Britain's top 400m runner in 2002 when she won Commonwealth silver, European bronze and the AAAs title.

But a lingering back injury which caused nerve pain to run down her hamstring has led to inconsistency on the track over the last two seasons.

"It's important I just get myself into races pain free and give myself a better chance than I have done over the last couple of years," said McConnell, speaking at the launch of Team GB's new Adidas kit.

"It was mentally draining knowing that the injury was there and it was going to affect your performance and there was nothing you can do about it.

"The injury always left a doubt in your mind when you're running but I was lucky that I was still able to run with the injury.

"We've done a lot of work this winter to try and get to grips with the injury. So far we seem to be on top of the condition and hopefully it will continue to get better over the summer."