Dame Kelly Holmes believes next week's Olympic trials in Birmingham will prove the world class strength of British women's middle distance running.
Holmes expects the women's 800metres and 1500m contests to be among the most competitive at the Aviva National Championships at the Alexander Stadium, in Perry Barr, from July 11 to 13.
Marilyn Okoro, Jenny Meadows and Jemma Simpson all have the 800m qualifying standard for Beijing but they will be pushed close by others next weekend including Vicky Griffiths and Amanda Pritchard.
The 1500m is even more competitive, the quartet of Susan Scott, Steph Twell, Hannah England and Commonwealth champion Lisa Dobriskey having all secured the Olympic guideline time at least once.
Holmes, who is heavily involved in the development of British women's middle distance running, said: "I think it is superb that there is such competition among the British middle distance girls at the moment.
"Arguably we've never had it so good in terms of real strength in depth. Potentially there are five or six girls who would fancy their chances of making the team for Beijing in the 800m and it's the same in the 1500m, including Hannah England who I've worked with on the 'On Camp with Kelly' initiative.
"That can only be a good thing, and given the often unpredictable nature of the middle distance events, any one of these athletes should believe that they can really make a mark in Beijing should they qualify at the Aviva National Championships next weekend.
"I for one will be looking at the results in Birmingham with real interest."
