The London 2012 cross country cycling competitor, who finished 18th at the Games, had originally contemplated retirement earlier this year because of her slow opening laps and leg pain but decided to reverse that decision when she was diagnosed with exercised-induced asthma in January.

However, this was not the end of her problems, which arose again at the opening round of the International Cycling Union (UCI) World Cup in South Africa in May.

It was not until medical staff identified the problem to be linked to narrowing in the main artery in the leg - a medical issue that is not uncommon with cyclists because of their riding position - that it could be fixed with surgery last month.

The operation was a success and Hanlen's nomination for the Glasgow 2014 team has now been endorsed by the New Zealand Olympic Committee.

"It's a real relief for Karen because she has had issues for the last couple of years and unable to pinpoint the reasons for her slow opening lap in races that would see her drift back through the field," BikeNZ high performance director Mark Elliott said.

"She already feels the benefits and her training programme has her back on track for Glasgow.

"Even with this issue, her results in New Zealand and the World Cup were sufficient to earn a nomination, which has been supported by the New Zealand Olympic Committee."

Karen Hanlen finished 18th at the London 2012 Olympics ©Getty Images



Hanlen, who will join teammates Anton Cooper, Sam Gaze and Kate Fluker at the cross country event in Glasgow on July 29, now plans to travel to Europe for a lead up race ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

"My legs feel amazing and I've been pushing myself quite hard in the past few days, without any symptoms at all," she said.

"It really feels like a huge obstacle has been removed.

"I've had such incredible support from so many people and I hope it will repay them in some way if I can do my best at the Commonwealth Games.

"I can't wait to get out there."

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