When Team England travel out to the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in April, they will be taking their biggest ever squad out with them.
Whether or not that equates to their biggest ever medal haul remains to be seen - they would need to surpass the tally of 174 from Glasgow four years ago - but one man who could significantly contribute to that is swimmer James Guy.
The 22-year-old has experienced success at all of the major events already, winning gold medals at the World Championships, European Championships and the Commonwealths, in addition to two silver medals at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
Many of those medals have come as part of a relay team, though, and with Guy competing in seven events on the Gold Coast, he will be hoping to add more individual glory to his substantial team success.
Sports Mole caught up with the Bury-born swimmer to discuss his hopes for the Games, his preparation for the Tokyo Olympics and why the Commonwealths hold a special place in his heart.
How are you feeling ahead of the Games?
"I think the way I'm performing in the pool right now, I feel like I'm in a good spot. I'm enjoying what I'm doing in training, I'm feeling confident, so I'm in good shape and ready to rock and roll in April."
What are your targets going into this competition?
"If I can rerun the Olympics, I'm doing seven events out there, it's just to enjoy and to practise this for the Tokyo Olympic Games. I know it's a heavy schedule but if I can get it right, it can be a good one. At the end of the day it's only swimming. But I'm excited to go out there, I've got family coming out. I can't wait to see them to watch me race out there. It's really exciting."
So do you see these Games as another stepping stone on the way to Tokyo, then?
"Of course, that's the main goal - to reach the Olympic Games. It's a practice run, but it's very important - I want to do my country proud and my family proud."
Have you set yourself a medal target?
"Not really, no. I know I'm doing seven events but I could medal in all seven, that would be the main goal."
If you don't have a medal target, are there any time barriers you are hoping to break?
"I think with my events, I know that if I'm near my PBs I'll be a medal contender, so if I'm anywhere near them I've got a good shout. It's just about getting the process right, getting the tactics right, because sometimes I can just blow out the window and go out way too hard, but if I think about what I'm doing I can hopefully make a few medals."
You won your first major international medal at the Commonwealths in Glasgow four years ago - does this competition hold extra significance for you because of that?
"I suppose so. Looking back, I was thinking that I only got one bronze at the last one and this time I'm going for seven medals, so it's weird how things have changed. Four years ago I was 18, now I'm 22 - as an athlete I've developed so much more. I'm excited to do that and hopefully I can do much more in the future."
The Commonwealths provide a unique multi-sport opportunity to compete as Team England rather than Team GB - how is that different?
"It does feel a bit different actually. You're used to being Team GB and every four years we are only Team England. I love being part of Team GB and what we have as a team is unbelievable. I'm excited to become Team England again - it's raw passion, blood Team England. I'm from the North so you can't get any more English than me."
Are there any of your Team GB teammates who you are particularly looking forward to coming up against in Australia?
"Duncan Scott in the 200m freestyle, we're looking forward to that. It's going to be a great battle - whatever happens we know it's never personal, but we always push each other in the pool. As Team GB we are the two main guys, so I'm really looking forward to it."
Looking beyond the Commonwealths - what would make 2018 a successful year for you?
"It's me going away happy, having a successful me. That's the most important thing. And enjoying it - knowing I've put my best out there, giving it 110% in all my events. And just enjoying it - my family's out there, my girlfriend's out there, having a good time and working hard. When the roar is around the pool and everyone is clapping, you can't get a better feeling than that."
The 2018 Commonwealth Games get underway on April 4 and will run until April 15.
Barney Corkhill
