At the age of 25, Todd Cooper is something of a veteran in the swimming world, and he is convinced that his wealth of experience will stand him in good stead when he lines-up in his second Olympic Games in Beijing in just a few weeks' time.

In Athens four years ago, the starry-eyed Stirling swimmer finished 21st in the 100m butterfly. In China, he is convinced he can do considerably better.

"Competing in Athens in 2004 was definitely the highlight of my career so far," says Todd, who has also swum in two Commonwealth Games for Scotland and in European Championships.

"I am really looking forward to Beijing, but I will definitely approach my second Olympics a little differently. The Olympics are always put on a pedestal and there is a misconception that they are something extra special.

"But, when it comes down to it, it is still just a swimming race. So I'm going to enjoy it, but just try and treat it the same as any other meet. Second time around I'm a lot wiser and I'm sure I'll be a lot more relaxed.

"My event is quite clogged up, with only one or two standouts. I'll just be taking it one stage at a time and trying to get through the heats. If you make the final anything can happen. The Olympics isn't about times, it is all down to racing and who can take the pressure."

While Todd is trying to play down the celebrity status of the Olympic Games, he freely admits he was overcome with emotion when he qualified at the trials in Sheffield in June.

"It was such a big thing," he reflected. "I needed a few days break after making the team, but it's been back to the grindstone ever since."

Todd's final warm-up comes at the ASA National Championships in Liverpool. "It will be a good final preparation, just to make sure everything is in tune," he suggested. "I'll be swimming both the 100m and 200m butterfly. But, from now on, really everything is about what happens from August 9th."

Born in Worcestershire, Todd moved to Stirling nine years ago when he was invited north by coach, Chris Martin. One of his first priorities was to register as a Scottish swimmer on the grounds of residency.

With a degree and a post-graduate degree in media management from Stirling University, he is well equipped to face life after swimming. But, as yet, he hasn't even glimpsed past Beijing.

"After the Olympics, I'm going to have a good holiday and then consider my future," he says. "I'm really not sure if I will continue as a swimmer. At the moment, my thoughts change from day to day."

But a month before the Olympic opening ceremony, the one thing he is sure about is that he wants Beijing to replace Athens as his career high. "If I can get through the heats and make the final, then it is all about having one really good swim." Wise words from a voice of experience...

EB
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