Carlin: My motivation is coming back

The 26-year-old took silver in the 400 and 800 metres freestyle events in Rio but confessed getting back into the swing of training has been difficult.

Carlin is currently in Mexico alongside fellow British swimmers as part of a high-altitude training programme to prepare the World Championships in Budapest this summer.

And the Welsh star is keen to continue her success on the world stage, seven years after making her international debut, when she won 4x400m freestyle bronze at the World Championships in Rome.

"I definitely struggled a lot after getting back into training following Rio, but after talking to so many different athletes, that seems the norm," she said.

"I felt a little bit down after having it in the back of my mind for so long and so it felt really strange that it was all over, but I'm really excited and motivated again now.

"Since coming out to Mexico, I've really found that drive and determination again. It's been great for me having the boys to chase and to push myself every day, as it's always nice seeing their face when you get the edge over them.

"I'm still so competitive and still love racing, so I am very much looking forward to the trials in April to hopefully book my place on that team.

"I've always loved competing at the World Championships, ever since I first competed in Rome in 2009. It is another opportunity to take on the best competition in the world and that's why I love swimming."

For Carlin, one of her closest competitors comes in the form of Boglarka Kapas, the woman she edged into bronze in the 800m freestyle last summer.

While the Hungarian may have home advantage in July, Carlin is willing to use the potentially hostile crowd as inspiration to overcome her friend.

"It's great having the home crowd support, but I love having a great atmosphere in any arena," she said. "It really spurs me on when you have an exciting race that the crowd is enjoying.

"I'm great friends with Borglarka. After the 800m race in Rio, she said she wouldn't have wanted to share the podium with anyone else than me. It was very sweet and she's such a nice girl but when we get on the blocks we'll be doing everything to get our hand on the wall first."

Now Carlin is happy back in the water she has wants more to joining her, teaming up with Yakult UK for a #SwimWithJazz campaign

In a poll of 2,000 British adults who have had swimming lessons, 48 per cent said it was the sport they enjoy most, with 85 per cent believing it is the best exercise for health.

However, 40 per cent gave up swimming lessons when they were 10 or younger, and 27 per cent do not even go swimming once a year.

Sportsbeat 2017