Matt Wilson is expecting some tough competition from the US and Japan when he competes in the Pan Pacific Championships.
“Brazil will also be stiff competition for us too. For myself personally, the likes of Ippei Watanabe, current world record holder, of Japan, and Josh Prenot of the USA, will be big 200m breaststroke competition,” he said.
The Springwood swimmer arrived in Japan at the end of July to prepare for the tournament, to be held in Tokyo from August 9-13.
“Training has been going very well. I’ve been laying down some quick breaststroke times in training so hopefully that can translate to quick times in racing,” Wilson said.
The 19-year-old will compete in the 100m and 200m breaststroke, with the possibility of representing in the relays also.
He’s hoping for a repeat of his 100m breaststroke time at the Commonwealth Games where he finished under the minute.
“In general, I have the aim of just doing a PB every meet I go into and improving my overall race. Of course I’d love to get on the podium and see the Aussie flag up there, that would be awesome,” Wilson said.
At the Commonwealth Games in April, Wilson won a bronze medal in the 200m breaststroke, and also helped the men’s 4x100m medley relay team to gold.
“The experience of racing in front of big, loud crowds is always good and each time I get to do it, I am able to practice controlling nerves and focusing on my lane and my race plan and not getting caught up or distracted by the atmosphere,” he said.
