James Guy booked his place at the Olympic Games in Rio after literally emptying the tank on his way to British Swimming Championships glory in Glasgow.
The 20-year-old Bury swimmer was sick on poolside after romping to victory in the 400m freestyle, coming home in 3:43.84, well inside the qualifying standard of 3:44.81 and a fraction outside his own British record.
His place in Rio should be confirmed a week on Thursday along with the rest of the squad, and while Guy will be changing his pre-race diet plan, he was delighted with the outcome of the race.
“It was a great swim for me and I am obviously so happy to be going to Rio but it was definitely painful towards the back end,” said Guy, who won silver in the 400m freestyle at last year’s World Championships in Kazan, before winning gold in the 200m.
“I pushed myself so hard in that race. I got out of the pool and was just sick everywhere, but it felt like a great swim and I felt really strong.
“It was the first time I’ve been sick after a race, I don’t really know why it happened. I think it was a bit of nerves mixed with the pasta I ate before, so I won’t be eating that next time.
“Now that I’ve got the qualifying time, the pressure is off and I can relax and enjoy the meet.”
With qualification for Rio, Guy also books his spot at next month’s European Aquatics Championships, in London.
The European Aquatics Championships will be the biggest event held at the London Aquatics Centre since the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and will represent the last chance to see Great British athletes in action before they fly to Rio.
Before that Guy will look to secure his spot in the 200m freestyle on Sunday on the competition’s final day.
And then Guy is planning on using the remaining months to bring down his time even further as he looks to become the first British man to win an Olympic swimming gold in 28 years.
He added: “I’d love to be faster in Rio but we’ll see how it goes, I know I can make some improvements and hopefully I’ll be faster. I know I can be.
“There’s four or five months now until the Games but with a little bit of work, I think I’ll be ready.”
Tickets for the European Aquatics Championships – the biggest event to be held at the London Aquatics Centre since the 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games – from May 9-22 are now available here:www.euroaquatics2016.london
