Olympic champion Rice happy to focus on preparation

London - Australian swimmer Stephanie Rice has a lot to live up to in London following her performance in the Beijing Olympics where she won three gold medals and set three new world records.

Although her preparations for London were hampered by a shoulder tendon problem, the 24-year-old says she is happy with her preparation for the Games just before the start of competition, reports Xinhua.

“My goals are similar to what they were going into Beijing,” said Rice, who preferred to focus on her performance rather than the result. “I never like to talk about winning: it is not the way I like to think about things, it is about the process and putting in the preparation which then gives you the confidence you need. My preparation has not been spectacular, but I have done all I could have done and that is how I want to feel when I stand on the blocks.”

“Anything beyond making the final is a blessing. I don’t like to put a lot of pressure on me because I want to get the best out of my body and my brain all of the time,” said Rice who swam to gold in the 200 metres and 400 metres medley and was part of the Australian team that also won the 200 metres freestyle relay in Beijing Olympics to become one of the most recognisable faces in her homeland.

The champion swimmer also brushed off fears that she had suffered a neck injury in a recent training session. “I feel a lot better in terms of neck. It is fine, I just kinked it a bit taking my suit off, but it is nothing to worry about,” she added.

“I am excited to come into the last week of preparation and being able to focus on mental side of things,” insisted Rice.