Jones going for third consecutive Olympic gold at London 2012

AUSTRALIA'S triple Olympic champion Leisel Jones insists she will still be the one to beat when she competes at her fourth Olympic Games at London 2012.

EVERGREEN: Leisel Jones is looking for her third consecutive Olympic gold at London 2012 (Getty Images)

Despite being only 24, Jones had suggested she might retire following her two golds at the Beijing Games after already amassing eight Olympic medals since Sydney 2000.

But the seven-time world champion has decided to try and become the first Australian swimmer to compete at four separate Games and add to her impressive medal collection.

And after taking a year out in 2009 which included skipping the world championships in Rome, the Australian feels refreshed ahead of her next challenge.

"I have made up my mind and decided to compete in London," she said.

"I may as well do it, then I can prove my longevity in the sport and look back on it as a great achievement.

"I am still mentally prepared for everything and enjoying my swimming.

"I still consider myself to be the fastest and I would love the opportunity to race against the other girls later in the year."

Jones continued to train during her year off and at a World Cup meeting in Berlin in November set world records in the 100m and 200m breaststroke despite stating she wanted to concentrate on completing her beauty therapy studies.

But she will face stiff competition when London rolls around in the shape of American Rebecca Soni, who won gold in the 200m breaststroke at Beijing, and Canadian Annamay Pierse, who took silver in the same event in Rome.