Shropshire swimmer Ollie Morgan admits he cannot believe the progress he is making after beating his own national record in the 100m backstroke at the British Swimming Championships.
Morgan, 21, specialises in the 100m, but also won the 50m and 200m gold in London and is now focusing on the World Championships in Singapore this summer.
He smashed his previous British record (52.70, set at last year’s national championships) in the 100m event to set a new best time of 52.12.
“I was shocked to see the wall and see the time. The progress is mind-blowing, constantly dropping time,” he told BBC Radio Shropshire.
“We’re going into a World Championships in the summer and I’ve just put in one of the best swims of all time, half a second off a world record (51.60). It is getting really exciting.”
The action in Singapore runs between July 11 and August 3, and Morgan feels he is capable of success.
He reached the Olympic final in Paris last year, finishing eighth in a time of 52.84.
“I would have been 0.1 seconds off winning in Paris with my time last week,” said Morgan.
“I feel like I can compete 100%, you’re never going to get a perfect swim, but it is how close we can get to it.
“I find if I’m performing to the best of my capabilities it’ll be difficult for anyone to beat me. You’ve got to stay humble and grounded.”
