Holmes has doubts over Olympic build-up

The Commonwealth champion, who is praying that the injuries that have piled up year on year are now a thing of the past, is aiming for 1,500 metres glory in Athens.

But she is also maintaining her speed work in case a last minute problem makes the 800m a better option.

"I want to do the 1,500metres," said Holmes, a finalist at that distance in the past two Games. "But I know from experience I have to be prepared for any eventuality. I've had a wonderful period this winter of staying injury free. But as I have learned to my cost, you never know what might be around the corner."

The 34-year-old finished third over 800m in Sydney and followed that with a seventh placing over 1,500m.

In the world championships in Paris last August, injury forced her to step down to 800m, where she brilliantly claimed the silver behind training partner Maria Mutola.

"It was an achievement to remember, but for the Olympics my heart really does belong with the 1,500metres," insisted Holmes.

Canada's Carmen Douma-Hussar, a runaway winner of last week's Hengelo GP, heads the opposition at Ostrava.