|Thorpedo's tips for the top|
|Around the Academy:
How do you cope with the pressure of a big final?
Finals are usually in the evening so I've had all day to gear up for it.
I always make sure I'm back at the pool in good time to do my warm-up.
I don't worry about anyone around me - just about my own performance.
When I dive in I let the preparation do all the work.
It's not about winning - it's about getting a time which I'm satisfied with.
Once the final's over I head home and get some sleep.
It may not sound like an exciting day but it is worth it for the victory!
Early swimming days
I made the national team when I was just 14 which meant a lot to me.
When I was 15, I won gold in the 200m freestyle at the Commonwealth Games and also became world champion.
I know I'm extremely fortunate because I had an opportunity that I never thought I would have at a very young age.
In Kuala Lumpa, people were always fascinated by my age but more by my size 17 feet!
It also took a lot of hard work.
I train around 35 hours a week which means I probably swim around 120 km over the seven days.
I guess that is probably more than a lot of people drive!
I do two swimming sessions a day, seven days a week.
On top of all my mileage I do plenty of weight and fitness work in the gym and even some boxing too.
It's very hard work and the early mornings are tough but I enjoy the challenge.