STEPHANI Sherlock hopes a combination of increased preparation time and fierce determination can help her Team England rhythmic gymnastics trio to the Commonwealth Games medal they crave.

The 21 year old, who trains at the Esprit gym in Swindon under the guidance of coach Deb Hows, was this week confirmed in the three-strong England line-up to contest the four rhythmic gymnastics disciplines on the Gold Coast in April.

Sherlock joins Mimi Cesar and Hannah Martin in the line-up in Australia as England chase a first Commonwealth medal since the team all-around bronze they earned in Delhi in 2010.

The Moscow-born competitor and Cesar were part of England’s team that finished an agonising fourth in Glasgow four years ago and Sherlock admits their desire to improve on that result this time is strong.

“Our main goal is a team medal,’’ she told the Swindon Advertiser.

“We just have to keep it together and fight for it.

“Glasgow was a big disappointment because we came fourth and it was very frustrating.’’ She added: “I feel like last time I was 17 years old and feel like I was at the beginning of my career.

“I hadn’t been doing the sport for that long.

“Lots of things have changed since then. It’s been up and down.

“This goal has kept me going because I knew I wanted to make it to the Commonwealth Games.

“Now I’m just trying to do everything I can to make it the best experience of my life.’’ Sherlock is already a multiple British champion and medallist and reckons extra preparation time this year could prove an important factor.

“Team England are providing us with the opportunity to go out there in plenty of time,’’ she added.

“Last time we only travelled 10 days before so this time we will be away for a long time.

“There’s time to get completely focussed on our task and it will be really beneficial.

“Mimi was my teammate in Glasgow and we’ve had a few competitions since then as a team, just trying to put together all our experience. It will be the best experience of our lives.

“Hannah is very young. It’s great being together. It’s really inspiring for us and her.

“She watched us compete in Glasgow and it makes us want to do even better.

“There are a lot of young gymnasts out there and hopefully we can inspire them.’’