Triple jumper Brian Wellman says his days as an international athlete are far from over, declaring last night that he is "raring to go" ahead of next week's Pan-Am Games.

Wellman's inclusion in the squad for the Dominican Republic has attracted criticism from those who believe the veteran would be better off hanging up his spikes and instead turn his attentions to those following in his footsteps.

However, though he remains frustrated at his recent lack of form, he is convinced that he has the ability and the will power to turn his flagging fortunes around.

"Over the last few years I have been disappointed because I have been performing well in practice but for some reason that has not transferred into competition," he said. "I believe I can put that right in August."

Despite his initial enthusiasm however, Wellman was prepared to admit that his preparation is being hampered by a persistent foot injury which is causing him considerable discomfort and limiting the training he would ideally like to complete.

"I have been fighting against niggles and the like," he conceded.

"I've had problems with the bottom of my feet, specifically my heels, which have been sore for the last month and has restricted my jumping practice."

Wellman was keen to point out, however, that he was not about to let these injury problems get him down and preferred to dwell on the positive aspects of his training regime.

"I do have good days as well as bad days when it comes to pain. Just yesterday I had an awesome practice and put in some big jumps," he said.

"To take the pressure off my heels I have been doing a lot of other stuff, including biking and swimming, and I can also lift weights. I've also used most of the extra time working on the specifics of my technique and doing a significant amount of video analysis on my style."

To sceptics, Wellman's latest injury worries and the restrictive nature of his training programme shall be seen as yet further evidence that he is now well past his prime and is clinging desperately to a dying career. Wellman categorically rejects this, however, and makes clear that he has had problems with his body in the past and yet come through well at international events.

"In 2001, I was in the exactly the same position that I find myself in now. I was having the same issues with my body and with training. I was upset with how my season was going," he said. "Then I went to the CAC Games in that year and ended up breaking the record. You just never know.

"Throughout my career in this sport I have had to deal with niggles and more serious problems," he continued.

"When I broke the World Indoor record I was in some pain and not 100 percent fit. The general public probably don't have the slightest idea what sort of pain most athletes are often forced to work through when competing. We all just put the pain to one side and get on with it.

"Look at the problems Jonathan Edwards (British triple jump legend) is having at the moment. He is in the same position as me but nobody is saying he should quit."

Nevertheless, Wellman did reveal that he would be reviewing the situation with regards to retirement in the near future.

"I will sit down with my coach at the end of the year and assess things. There does come a point when your body says that it cannot take the punishment any more," he said.

"But I feel the desire is still there. I love doing what I do. That is why am still here competing and pushing myself to the limit."