By David Martin, PA Sport, Munich

European and Commonwealth triple jump champion Ashia Hansen is used to fighting back from lost causes.

In the last fortnight she has won two of world athletics most prestigious titles, and 30-year-old Hansen is now praying her career can return to the enjoyable days of pre-Olympic year when every rival feared her.

Hansen has conquered her fears after a serious Achilles injury, is back in big-time athletics and, more importantly, can cope with not only the physical but the mental pressure.

In Manchester with the very last jump of the competition, she retained her Commonwealth crown. Yesterday in Munich with the penultimate jump of a contest which seemed lost, she snatched the gold medal from Heli Koivula.

Hansen and her rivals were virtual bystanders after the "Flying Finn" took control of the six rounds of action with her first jump.

Unfancied Koivula, who met javelin champion Steve Backley in 1997 and was his girlfriend until just after the last Olympics, cleared a personal best 14.86metres.

It looked as if the outsider was on course as her opponents - in particular Hansen - tried unsuccessfully to claw themselves back into gold-medal position.

But Hansen spoiled the show with her amazing effort.

"I've matured under pressure immensely," said Hansen.

In 1999, Hansen was on top of the world. In the winter she won the World Indoor gold then at the end of the summer track season she won the IAAF Grand Prix final.

Life was looking great for Hansen. Then with Olympic year looming, she suffered a then undiagnosed Achilles injury which restricted her competitions.

She went to Sydney with only one indoor contest under her belt and none outdoors, finishing only 11th.

Following those Games, the injuries which she was enduring with her foot multiplied, and the World indoor record record holder had to begin life all over again.

Hansen was frustrated. "I was in pain from morning to night and even in bed," she said Hansen.

"After my first indoor competition in January 2001 I threw a tantrum. All of my friends were performing well, their careers going forward.

"It was as if no-one believed I was injured," added Hansen.

It was then her coach, Aston Moore himself a former international triple jumper, decided enough was enough.

Moore arranged through Dutchman, Charles van Commenee, coach of Denise Lewis, for the Birchfield Harrier to go to Holland.

It proved a career-saving decision and after the operation in March, Hansen began a rehabilitation period.

"Because of the injury I had been walking on the side of my right foot," said Hansen."I had to learn to do that again, then started jogging, followed by strides then long jumping. I was like a child growing up."

But Hansen refused to believe she could not return to her very best form.

"I was absolutely determined mentally that I would come back," said Hansen. "Now that I've jumped 15metres again I will be looking for an even better time next year and again at the 2004 Olympics."

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