Hollie Avil wins the Corus Elite Series

Northamptonshire triathlete Hollie Avil has said she has great self belief as she prepares for the Olympic qualifying race in Madrid this month.

Avil told BBC Radio Northampton that she is confident she can beat the world's best after podium finishes in Japan and South Korea.

"It's pretty tough but I'm going into the Madrid race third in the world and as the number one Brit.

"But it's all on the day and I know I'm going to give it my best."

Avil is about to start her A-levels and competes in Madrid on 25th May.

"I don't really have time to stop and think about how difficult it is," she said.

"I've always been someone who wants to be kept on her toes and I haven't really changed myself as a person, I've always been very dedicated to my training."

My races in Japan and South Korea showed consistency and I realised the Olympics could be a goal Hollie Avil

The past twelve months have been remarkable for the 18-year-old, who is the World and European junior triathlon champion.

Since Christmas she has competed at World Cup events in Japan and South Korea where she finished third and second respectively.

"I went to Japan to experience the humidity and enjoyed training in the heat and the sunshine.

"My races in Japan and South Korea showed consistency and I realised the Olympics could be a goal.

Avil must finish inside the top eight and be one of the top two British women to cross the line in Madrid.