MICHELLE SMITH, Ireland's big swimming prospect for an Olympic medal in Atlanta this summer, returns to competitive action in a long course meet in Toulouse this weekend. It will be her first time to compete since her triumphs in the European championships in Vienna last August.

"The time is just right now for me, to gel involved in racing again. My training at present involves swimming 100,000 metres per week and computer testing. It's a lot of hard work and competition at this stage fits in with my plans," said Smith, last night before travelling from her Dutch base for tomorrow's events.

"I will be going in five events 100 and 200 butterfly, 200 and 400 IM and 200 metres backstroks," said Smith. "I have no firm plans for future competitive dates, but there is always opportunity in Holland to swim in good quality competition."