was able to find sufficient fitness to overcome an in-form Laurie Orchard in the recent National Sprint Championships.

But now the triathlon veteran faces a much stiffer challenge when she takes on her rival over the longer Olympic Distance National Championships this Saturday.

The normally confident Hawley is even questioning herself as to whether she has what it takes to again beat Orchard, who has established herself in recent years as one of the most consistent female triathletes on the Island.

Hawley said over the weekend: "I managed to dig deep to chase Laurie down on the run, but that was in a sprint distance race and I am not sure whether I can be close enough to her in the swim and the cycle to do the same over the longer distance.'' Orchard, a stronger swimmer, should exit the water with a comfortable lead which she should then hold over the 40K cycle. However, it's at this point where Orchard goes into, what is for her, the most difficult discipline of the race while Hawley, one of the Island's leading female runners, relishes the discipline.

Orchard said: "I am really looking forward to the race this weekend. I have trained consistently and am hoping to be able to gain enough of a lead on the swim and the cycle to be able to hold Julia off on the run.'' Saturday's race starts at 8.30 a.m. at Clearwater Beach, St. David's.

A team event will be run over the Olympic distance concurrently with the individual race. Entry forms are available at Hamilton sports stores.