Ariarne Titmus says she's unflustered by Australia's expectations while issuing an ominous warning to her Olympic swimming rivals.
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Titmus, the reigning Olympic 200m and 400m freestyle champion, says she has never felt better prepared for any swim meet.
A week ahead of travelling to Paris, Titmus is now adopting her renowned tunnel vision.
"There's not much room for anything in your head other than focusing on the task at hand," Titmus told reporters at Australia's swim team camp in Chartres, about 95km south-west of Paris.
"If you let external noise come in, you get off track.
"For me, I have a massive program coming up with a lot of expectation on myself, from myself and I know the Australian public.
"And if I let external factors enter my mind it's exhausting so I really just think about swimming as fast as I can."
Titmus's double gold at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago came after a preparation limited by a shoulder injury.
Her path to Paris has been smooth, highlighted by breaking the 200m freestyle world record at Australia's selection trials last month.
Titmus also holds the 400m world benchmark, set at last year's world championships.
Yet the 23-year-old believes she is only just nearing her peak.
"Mentally I have got so many learnings from the last Olympic Games," Titmus said.
"I know this is going to be different with big crowds which I am very excited for.
"As an athlete - altogether, as a whole - I am in a better position than three years ago.
"I am being honest in saying I think I have prepared the best I ever have for a swim meet.
"So more than anything I'm just excited to see what I am capable of.
"Of course I am racing for our country and for the swim team and for myself and my family.
"But it's about trying to get the best out of yourself, that is why I still swim because I believe I have got more in the tank.
"That is my goal at these Games, to try and get every skerrick out of myself."
Titmus's highly anticipated 400m race against American great Katie Ledecky and Canadian teen Summer McIntosh comes on the opening day of competition at the Paris pool, July 27.
Australian Associated Press
