Houvenaghel is currently in Wales putting in some last minute training before the cycling track competition starts in two weeks time.

August 15, 16 and 17 will arguably be the most important days in her sporting life as she battles to strike gold in the 3000-metre individual pursuit.

And she's in with a good chance of getting a medal of some description.

Earlier this year the MAIL highlighted the former Wendy McLean's achievement in being selected for the Great Britain cycling squad bound for China.

Only now that details of the Olympic team are widely available are the Northern Ireland media suddenly taking an interest in her low profile career.

After winning a gold medal in the team pursuit and finishing fourth in the individual pursuit at the World Championships in Manchester back in March, Hovenaghel settled down to some hard training.

Based in Cornwall, the 33-years-old former dentist was introduced to cycling by her husband Ian whose family are from Holland.

She competed for England at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne after being turned down by the Northern Ireland Cycling Federation despite being British champion at the time.

Everyone in the McLean household will be glued to the box in the coming days.

Her mum May and dad Philip had hoped to travel to China but gave up after encountering difficulties finding accommodation.

Her brother Jonathan and a few other family members are flying out to watch Wendy in action and give her their support.

"She's done well to get there," said Mrs McLean. "She has worked very hard to get where she is today. Just getting on the British team is an achievement."