``The training was very effective and well-planned with weights, swimming, cycling and running all given equal importance,'' said the 18-year-old Rupali.

The Indian team, comprising five men and as many women, was coached by Chennai's Veerbhadra.

Rupali, the solitary representative from the state, was called for the camp on the basis of her performance in last year's Asia Cup at Chennai, where she finished sixth overall.

She stood second among the Indians, behind Sangeeni Devi (Manipur). ``Devi overtook me in the last 20 metres when I was almost sure of my win,'' recalls Rupali.

``Triathlon -- one and half kilometre swimming, 40 km cycling and 10 km running -- requires immense stamina. The competition is tough with anybody in the top capable of winning a medal.''

The Manipur Nationals early this yearwas a disappointment for Rupali. She failed to finish in the top five after her cycle broke down during the competition.

In September this year, Rupali is planning another assault on the Gibraltar Strait. This time a two-way challenge beckons the swimmer, who set a record for being the fastest and youngest to achieve the feat in October 1994.

Conferred the title of Sagarkanya by the Maharashtra Government, Rupali received `the National Adventure Award' in 1996 from the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports under the Ministry of Human Resources and Development.

Next on Rupali's agenda is the Thane Marathon, scheduled for next month. Guiding her in her quest is her coach, Chandrakant Sonekar, at the Seven Stars Athletics Club (Thane) since January.

Rupali's immense talent will come into focus in the TV series Movers and Shakers on Sony channel.

The class 12 student of Vaze College said: ``I consider myself lucky because whatever I learned, I learnt it the correct way in my formative years. So,all that my coaches needed to do was to fine tune my skills.''