By Neil Hall BBC Sport Online

Britain's Kelly Holmes is in good health and aiming for gold in the 800m at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

Holmes' preparations for the major championships in the last two years have been badly affected by injury.

Despite this she battled to a bronze medal at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and finished a creditable sixth in the 800m final at the World Championships last year.

"Things are going really well - but I don't want to speak too soon," she told BBC Sport Online.

"My preparation is going exactly how I want it to go.

"I'm very confident and feel very strong - injury and illness-free."

And, after tasting success in the 1500m at the Commonwealth Games in 1994 and 1998, she is eager for more.

"I feel very motivated for this year and more importantly I feel very relaxed about my athletics again," she said.

"Each year you have different goals and ambitions and mine this year is to focus on the Commonwealth Games.

"I always go into a championship aiming for a gold medal and that's what I'll do this year."