Over the last three years 20 year-old James Guy has been one of the fastest improving athletes in the world. In 2013 the British swimmer finished fifth in the 400 freestyle at the World Championships and went on to collect silver at the World Junior Championships in both the 200 and 400 freestyle.
In 2014 he won a bronze in the 400 freestyle at the Commonwealth Games and finished fifth in the 200 freestyle.
In 2015 Guy solidified himself as one of the top swimmers in the world winning the 200 freestyle and finishing second in the 400 freestyle at the World Championships in Kazan.
In that three year span Guy has gone from a 1:47.19 to a 1:45.14 in the 200 freestyle and a 3:47.86 to a 3:43.75 in the 400 freestyle.
In this SwimSwam exclusive interview Guy discusses his success in 2015 as well as his major points of focus for the 2016 season heading into Rio.
If I would have told you at 16 that in three years you would win the 200 freestyle and finish second in the 400 freestyle in Kazan what would have your reaction been?
I think my reaction would of been. Are you sure mate? Think you’ve lost your head!!!
What were your goals coming into the 2015 World Championships?
I knew that I would be in good form, I was training really fast in sessions, and my confidence and calmness coming into the meet was sky high.
In the 400 it was to try and sneak a medal and the 200 was to make the final.
You have stated in other interviews that the 400 freestyle was your primary focus and that you were happy with the result, but thought you could have been faster in the final. Did that motivate you for the 200 freestyle later in the competition?
It didn’t really motivate me, from the 400 my adrenalin was sky high, I was hardly sleeping, I was just so excited, because I knew that my main event was over, the pressure was off and I had nothing to prove to anyone.
You have also stated that you were almost surprised to make the 200 freestyle final. Did that lack of expectation in the 200 compared to the 400 work to your advantage in the race?
Not really, I didn’t really look at it like that, I just saw it as I was swimming the 200 well and I was in good form, after the heats of the 200. When I was warming up I didn’t feel great, but after the race I thought if I could do that time and not feel good, I could go significantly faster.
What are you goals heading into the upcoming trials and then Rio?
(My) goals I would say, to qualify for the games, and at the games try to get personal best times in all my events. To be as fit as I can, swim as fast as I can and do my country and family proud.
What are you focusing on in your preparation a) technically and b) tactically?
Technically is my turns and kicking. I don’t focus on tactics in training, I do that on the day of the race and focus on what I need to do then!
Do you have a favourite set or two that you feel have been/are key to your success?
Yeah one of my favourite sets is the Grant Hackett set:
42 x 50s off a minute, first 16 every 4th at 200 pace, then 12 every 3rd, 8 every 2nd, then 4 all at pace.
Do you have a different mindset when approaching the 200 compared to the 400?
I’m more relaxed when it comes the 200, it’s a mindset I’ve always had, since being young and it hasn’t changed to this day.
Looking at the 200 and 400 freestyle currently compared to the field and the times put up in London do you feel there will be a drop off in Rio?
I feel in some events, anything could happen. But I’m sure some events will be faster and some will be slower, but nobody can predict the future.
Impressive person and swimmer…cannot wait to see what he has in store in 2016. He just keeps getting better and faster with every competition. Good luck James!!