I had a great time in Kuala Lumpur, then Japan. We stayed in a sweet hotel in KL and were able to train at the same complex used for the Commonwealth Games in 1998, which brought back some fond memories for me.

Japan was an amazing experience; it always is, swimmers are really respected there and I was happy with my performance. I beat a field in the 1500m that will probably be the best assembled before the Olympics and from that I take a lot of confidence but also know I must continue to improve. I was a little disappointed in losing the 400m but I know I am on track there.

Looking back at the evolution of 1500m times over the past few years it’s possible someone will go sub-15 minutes in Beijing and not make the final! A few years ago that would have been unthinkable. In 2000 only 10 swimmers had swum sub-15 minute times for the event.

We have come a long way since Vladimir Salnikov first broke the barrier in 1980. Having said that I think the world record might be safer in the final, because the guys might be spent having to qualify so fast, but the great thing about the Olympics is you never know what will happen; there have been so many inspirational performances over time.

Japan wasn’t just a great experience for me. The rest of the team performed exceptionally well and I think things are looking very promising heading to Beijing. The guys have come a long way and Cate Campbell showed that at just 15 she is a huge talent who can only get better. Her win in the 50m freestyle was remarkable.

Speaking of remarkable events, I think it’s fair to say Andrew Mewing and I could be classed as “elite sleepers” given that one night in Japan an earthquake measuring 5 on the Richter scale was recorded, yet we both slept right through it. We only found out about it next morning at breakfast!

Tokyo is a great place and it was disappointing I only got to sample the city a little bit, but I would recommend it to anyone. The Japanese people are polite and helpful, and the city itself is a beautiful, sprawling metropolis.

As I write this I find myself yawning, but also attempting to be ready for the National Short Course starting tomorrow. I’m entered in the 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m freestyle and the 4×200m freestyle relay.

I kick off tomorrow with the 800m and then the 200m. The 200m is going to be difficult as I have to take on Kenrick Monk who is looking like being a superstar of the future; his times keep coming down and if he stays healthy and continues to improve at the current rate then he is a chance to win an individual medal in Beijing.

After that I’m looking forward to heading up to the Gold Coast for a little bit of down time that will be split between the pool, the beach and my four-month-old nephew who I have only met once.

Hacky

I go away to KL on Saturday and then to Japan with a fairly large Aussie swim team for a major meet. The idea, as I have mentioned before, is to get us acclimatised for Beijing or in this case Japan, but ultimately it is about preparing ourselves.
 
I’m excited about the trip and I would [...]