Alys Thomas claims she is an engine built for stamina not speed – so the best is yet to come in the quest for a Commonwealth Games medal.
The Isleworth-born swimmer has had a busy schedule already at Glasgow 2014, finishing ninth in the 100m butterfly and 14th in the one length dash of the same stroke.
Three personal best in four races serve to underline the 23-year-old Swansea University student, competing for Wales, is in a good groove.
Thomas believes the quick times bode well for her premier event the 200m butterfly tomorrow.
She said: “The 50m was a nice little PB and almost into the 26s which is ultimately where I would want to push myself to.
“I’m not a sprinter anyway. Give me three more lengths and I will be alright, this is over too quick.
“But the lower I can get my sprint to the easier I can get out on that first 100. I did a PB in my 100m heat on the first day so everything is going in the right direction.
Despite the heavy workload of swimming’s toughest stroke, the 23-year-old says having the 200m at the back end of her programme plays to her strengths.
She added: “Judging by previous experience, the 200m fly being my first event has not helped me as I tend to get a bit excited and I know from race practice being excited in the first 100m of a 200m does not bode well for me,”
“I tend to go out too fast and then I can’t bring it back.
“So I know I have to be relaxed and the 200m being later on in the programme probably helps me because I can get into the flow of the race programme and more of a routine as the days progress.
“So I’m glad the 200m has come at the end.”
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