Freeman was named in Australia's squad for Manchester even though she did not compete in the Australian Athletics Championships - which double up as their Commonwealth Games trials - due to a thigh injury.

The 29-year-old has been included in the 4x400m relay squad, with the selectors also keeping a spot free for her in the 400m and 200m.

She will need to prove she has returned to fitness by 5 June in order for her to compete in the individual events.

"I think the selection process is fair in that it treats every athlete on an equal basis," Freeman said.

"I have no doubt I will be running in the 400m at Manchester. I am really positive about my chances and totally focused on my training."

Australia Athletics chief executive Simon Allatson also denied that the double Olympic champion has been treated favourably.

"There have been no special allowances made for her," said Allatson.

"She has legitimately qualified as a member of our 4x400m women's relay team so that gets her into the team."

Stress fracture

However Allatson did concede that "the criteria for relay selection was a little bit easier than for the individual events.

"So she now - as a member of the relay team - can be considered for one of the individual berths - if she comes through from her injury and shows us some adequate performances."

He added an "adequate" performance would be the equivalent of a top eight finish at the Commonwealth Games.

Freeman is desperate to appear in her first Commonwealth Games for eight years.

"It would be a nightmare for me to miss out on Manchester," she revealed earlier. "I haven't run in a Commonwealth Games since 1994."