GYMNAST Craig Heap is hoping to shake off an ankle injury to avoid history repeating itself.

Injury kept the Commonwealth gold medallist out of a place in the Atlanta Olympics four years ago and the 26-year-old wants to make sure he is fit to compete in the Sydney Olympics, with the trials starting later this month.

Heap returned from the European Championships held in Bremen in Germany where he finished the highest placed Britain in 16th place, helping the team to 12th overall.

"The Great Britain team finished one place higher up than last time and I was pleased with 16th place as I got a personal best," said Burnley-born Heap, whose parents still live on the outskirts of the town.

"The main problem is my ankle. I had an operation in December and couldn't really rest after it as I knew I had the Europeans coming up.

"I felt it at the championships and had to take plenty of painkillers! I will now just concentrate on the arm disciplines in training."

There are three stages to the Olympic trials for Craig, although he is confident he will come through for the one place in Sydney.

"The first is on Sunday, the second July 1 and then the final one at Wigan on July 15 and 16.

"I am confident. I think I have proved myself and I have no real opposition if I am fit. I've competed in the World and Commonwealth Championships and would love to compete in the Olympics."