Ace Indian long jumper Anju B George commenced her training programme under the watchful eyes of world record holder Mike Powell, in her quest for a medal in the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Anju, who left for California on April 25 to firm up training and competition arrangements with Powell, will take part in a championship on May 10, in Modesto, North California. It will be her first competition in America this year.

"Mike is more than convinced about Anju's potential for a medal in the Athens Games. Anju has now firmed up arrangements with this famous athlete and coach, attached to California University," Robert George, Anju's husband and coach, said.

According to George, the first phase of training will be for six months. The coaching will continue till the 2004 Olympics.

He said Anju has now got acclimatised to the conditions in the United States.

An Asian Games gold and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, Anju was the only Asian woman athlete to qualify in the long jump for the World Indoor athletics in Birmingham early this year. She is presently ranked 13th in the world, with a jump of 6.74 metres. She also holds the national record in long jump (both outdoor and indoor) and triple jump.