A WHEELCHAIR basketball star's international career is back on track.
Chester Wheelchair Jets skipper Anna Jackson has regained her place in the Great Britain squad for the Paralympic World Cup in Manchester.
Anna, a disability consultant who lives in Upton, has competed for Great Britain in two European Championships, the first ever World Cup and the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games.
The 35-year-old was over-looked for the Athens Paralympics four years later, however, and was unsure she would be picked again. But the selectors have recalled her to the 12-strong squad for next month's World Cup tournament.
Anna said: 'I competed in the first Paralympic World Cup in 2005 and we won silver. I am really pleased to be back in the squad and am looking forward to the tournament as I am playing well and feeling fit.'
The GB women's team will compete against Spain, Japan and France next month. Running from May 7 to May 10, the World Cup is preparation for the European Championships in August in Germany, which will give Britain the chance to qualify for the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing.
Since retiring from playing hockey in 1997 due to a chronic knee condition that left her with limited mobility, Anna has enjoyed an impressive career as a wheelchair basketball player.
Her international ambitions were hit by injury problems, but after a successful season with the Jets she can't wait to pull on a GB jersey again.
Anna said: 'Recovering from injury took a long time and I really struggled to take part in GB training sessions and get as much training done at home as I needed to - but I am glad the GB coach had faith in me and I have worked really hard to get back to fitness.
'I would like to thank North-gate Arena in Chester for the use of their court for training, and Total Fitness in Chester where I have recently started to do my gym and swimming training.
'Most importantly, I must say huge thanks to Pam Gardner of Willaston Physiotherapy Clinic for getting me fit again and keeping me that way.'
