Team GB introduces... James Guy

Swimmer James Guy established himself as one to watch at Rio 2016 when he came away from the 2015 World Championships with two gold medals and a silver to his name. He previously claimed bronze in the 400m freestyle at the Commonwealth Games in 2014, as well as silver in the same event at the Short Course World Championships in Doha.

But in Kazan James really shone as he took the 200m freestyle title, silver in the 200m freestyle and helped the 4x200m freestyle relay team to the top step of the podium.

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET STARTED IN COMPETITIVE SPORT?

I have always been very competitive. I tried a lot of sports as a young boy, football, hockey and rugby; then I joined a swimming club and the passion for it grew. I represented the school team initially and it progressed from there.

WHAT ARE YOUR AMBITIONS FOR RIO?

My ambition for Rio is to be in the best physical shape I've ever been in, race hard and enjoy myself!

DO YOU HAVE A BIG SUPPORT NETWORK?

My family, friends and coaches are so important. Being happy outside the pool can make such a difference, just having someone to talk to puts you in a better position in life. My mum, dad and brother are a huge part of what I do, and without them I wouldn't be where I am today – I owe them the world. My coaches Jol and Euan are a great team; we get on great and they get me in the position I need to be when it comes to race day. Having my friends and the boys around is a great distraction away from the pool and it's something else to do, have a laugh and go out for Chinese food!

WHAT DOES YOUR PRE RIO TRAINING PLAN LOOK LIKE? WHAT TYPE OF TRAINING ARE YOU DOING AND HOW INTENSE IS IT?

I'm in Ireland at the moment on training camp with a couple of the boys from the Olympic team. We're in an endurance block at the moment and it's a lot of yardage, but that's what it's all about. We will soon be doing some speed work which is the fun part!

WHAT DOES YOUR MEAL PLAN LOOK LIKE AT THE MOMENT?

My meal plan is pretty standard! I am a creature of habit and usually have the same each day: before training is Porridge and a banana, after workout is Smoked Salmon, Bagels and Poached Eggs. Lunch time is usually Salmon and pasta with loads of vegetables, and dinner is what ever mum cooks for me!

WHO IS YOUR OLYMPIC ROLE MODEL AND WHY?

That's a tough one. In Olympic terms it has to be Michael Phelps – what he has achieved is incredible, but on other terms is Floyd Mayweather. He can talk the talk and walk the walk!

DISCOVER SOME OF TEAM GB'S PRE-RIO TRAINING PLANS, INCLUDING PHILIP HINDES, JAZZ CARLIN AND MAX WHITLOCK.