Aileen Reid has admitted that she will head into Saturday's European Games triathlon event with trepidation, despite being one of the favourites to claim gold.
The Ireland competitor is currently ranked sixth in the world, making her the highest-placed athlete to take part in the inaugural event.
Nicola Spirig and Lisa Norden will also be expected to battle it out for top spot, and Reid is fully aware that she faces tough competition in Baku.
"It is really nice to come in with a high rank to have your achievements rewarded," she told Games News Service. "But you also have to remember that the Olympic champion has not raced much and that's why she does not have a high ranking.
"Also Lisa has been injured so I know these are the two girls I should keep an eye on. Just because athletes do not have a high ranking doesn't mean they can't win."
"Anyone with long legs is in with a chance. I was watching some girls diving in there. The taller girls will have an advantage because for them it is not so difficult to get through the first shallow section."
Fifty athletes will take part in the triathlon competition, which is the sport's first ever international contest in Azerbaijan.
Daniel Lewis
