by Alex Hoad

Lisa Dobriskey hopes to finish a ‘difficult’ season on a high by defending her Commonwealth Games gold medal in India in October.

The 26-year-old Ashford AC runner (pictured) leapt to prominence when she won the 1,500m in Melbourne four years ago and added silver at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin.

She has struggled with injuries and inconsistency this season and was edged out of the medals at the European Championships in Barcelona last month.

The former Southlands pupil agreed to travel to Delhi with the England squad to compete in the 1,500m and 800m in a bid to get more competition under her belt in the build-up to the London Olympics.

She admitted: "It has been quite a difficult year for me but the experiences of this kind of year can help shape your career in years to come.

"I have learned valuable lessons. I know some areas where things need to be tweaked and I have made a few mistakes along the way.

"It is important to make these mistakes now, not in 2012."

She added: "I have had some ups and downs and to be honest I have not got the best out of myself this season.

"I’m hopeful that the Commonwealth Games can change that. I want to defend my title."

Do you think Dobriskey can defend her crown? Have your say below.