CHAMPION shooter Gorgs Geikie insists she's already one step ahead of her Commonwealth Games rivals after getting a sneak preview of the range in February.

The 25-year-old, who trains at Okehampton Rifle Club, fired a warning shot to her rivals by claiming two individual bronze medals, a team silver and a team bronze in India earlier this year.

Geikie will return to the scene of her former glories to contest the Commonwealth title next month as part of England's 22-strong squad.

And with England taking to the podium 18 times in Melbourne four years ago, the South Zeal shooter hopes her first-hand knowledge of the range will ensure the medal-rush continues this autumn.

"We do know the course from the Commonwealth Shooting Championships," said Geikie. "It's the same range as in February but the buildings weren't all completely finished then, although the ranges were up to standards. The whole reason to compete there in February was to see where we will be shooting and I will be able to envisage the environment before we even get there.

"I think that is a strong advantage I have over those who haven't been there yet.

"I did pick up four medals, two in team, two individual, but there was no gold. There is no point in settling for second best though, my target is to get to the top.

"I think I'm getting towards the top of my game so I feel like everything is coming together at the right time."

Geikie's medal ambitions were dealt a hammer blow after the sport's funding was cut by 80 per cent following a dismal performance at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

But after being handpicked to join the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes initiative and given a cash injection of £1,000, the former Okehampton College student claims her Commonwealth — and Olympic — medal bids remain on course.

"My training has all been geared towards these Commonwealth Games in October and I think I'm very much on track for 2012 as well," she added.

"My preparations have been really positive and I have got all of my training plans sorted out right up until the games, I'm one of those girls who is very well prepared.

"After Beijing, we had around 80 per cent of our funding cut so the whole infrastructure was changed. The Lloyds TSB funding has enabled me to keep a part-time job and still stay focused on my training and keep stepping forwards towards 2012.

"I've had to put my career on hold for my training and for my sport, but it's worth it because it's what I love to do.

"The Lloyds TSB money has been going towards all my training and equipment, and staying away from home for competitions which helps me compete to the best level I can."

Lloyds TSB Local Heroes is an initiative in partnership with SportsAid providing support and funding to over 270 of Britain's most talented developing athletes on their journey to London 2012 and beyond.

To find out more about Lloyds TSB Local Heroes, visit www.lloydstsb.com.