Rising star Hollie Avil insists she does not feel under any more pressure despite rising expectations about her chances of winning a medal in the triathlon at the London Olympics in 2012.

Avil's appearance at last year's Olympics in Beijing ended in disappointment when she was forced to pull out of after picking up a virus.

The 19-year-old bounced back from that disappointment last month by winning the Under-23 World Championships on Australia's Gold Coast against all expectations.

She finished just under a minute ahead of compatriot Jodie Stimpson to add the title to her 2007 world junior crown.

The Loughborough University student admits it is inevitable she will be touted as a medal prospect for 2012 after the win, but insists she will take any pressure that comes her way in her stride.

"I don't feel under more pressure now," Avil said.

"The win has given me a lot more support and belief that I know I can get up there with the seniors and it shows that I'm heading in the right direction coming up to London.

"I'm not bothered if people start tipping me for a medal in London. That would give me more confidence and more excitement and would give me the feeling that the country is right behind me rather than pressuring me."

Avil admits she was surprised to win the championships after a rollercoaster year which saw her record disappointing results at World Championship series events in Kitzbuhel and Madrid.

She is confident, however, that she is starting to develop into a triathlete capable of competing on home soil in three years time.

"2009 was always going to be a bit of a trial and error year," she said.

"Now we are going into the third year before the Games. It's becoming more and more important and you can't play around so much and have to start doing things that only work for you so that's the plan for the next three years - to start seeing what works for me and keep on doing it."

Triple Olympian and 2006 world champion Tim Don believes Avil will be primed to challenge for a medal in three years time.

"Hollie is phenomenal," the 31-year-old said.

"Experience is vital and she has it from this year and last year so without a doubt she will take the pressure in her stride.

"If anything I think 2012 will be a good time for her because it will give her more support than pressure.

"Everyone will get behind her and support her within her team and the home crowd."