HANNAH Brown says she is relishing the chance to defend her Wildwater World Championship after being called up for Great Britain.

Brown, who has had sporadic success over a couple of difficult years due to injury, was included in GB’s squad for the championships in Pau, France, in September.

One of Brown’s lowest points came last year when a freak accident in the gym resulted in a knee injury which ended her Olympic dreams.

Later that year, Brown returned only to be struck down by a dislocated shoulder.

For the World Championships, the 26-year-old will return to the course where she sustained the shoulder injury just under a year ago.

Brown admits it will be a strange feeling to be back there, especially as this will be the first chance she will have had to defend her world title.

“The aim is to retain my title, but part of me is so happy just to go out there and race again,” said the 26-year-old from Bradford upon Avon.

“To go back there and race will be strange in one way, but a good stepping stone in another way.

“It’s a new challenge for me because I didn’t compete or have the chance to retain a title so this is the biggest opportunity I have had.”

After suffering the injury just over a year ago, Brown admits she is ahead of schedule with her recovery.

“It’s good news after an up and down year so it is really positive. I’m further on than what I thought I would be, which is encouraging and I still have an extra few months to prepare for it,” she said.

“It’s exciting and it builds confidence. I definitely have a better understanding of all the training and the little things which go into it, since my accident.

“I’m really appreciative. It made me realise how much I love what I do and makes me drive to do a little bit more.”