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Campbell bounces back from swim titles

Former champion Cate Campbell is taking the first steps toward redemption after a disappointing world swimming titles in Russia.

Former champion Cate Campbell says she needs to fall in love with swimming again after a frustrating world titles campaign in Russia.

And it seems this week's Australian swimming team Rio Protocol Camp in Canberra is not helping.

Sleep addict Campbell and her fellow Dolphins are attempting to adjust their body clocks to help acclimatise for the Rio Olympic program.

The camp will mimic Rio's swimming schedule where heats will be held from 1pm and finals from 10pm.

Athletes at the camp are getting to bed at about 0130 AEST.

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"I am one of those athletes who really relies on a lot of sleep," Cate Campbell said.

"I got the nickname 'The Bear' because I would come out and race well after hibernating.

"But I think everyone has adjusted well.

"It's good to collect this data now. It goes to show the positive mindset everyone has for Rio."

Campbell is also trying to stay positive, saying she can now see the silver lining to her world titles disappointment in Kazan.

After overcoming shoulder surgery, Campbell failed to defend her 100m freestyle world title, claiming bronze behind her younger sister and shock winner Bronte.

It ended Campbell's unbeaten run over 100m stretching back to late 2012.

"It's important I get back to why I swim. Not let my expectations or others get the better of me, to get back to enjoying my sport," she said.

"It can be difficult at times but the support both Bronte and I have had from friends, family and the general public has been extremely positive and a little overwhelming.

"I don't think you can come away bitterly disappointed with a bronze medal especially less than a year out of shoulder surgery.

"I learned a lot about myself and how to cope with different situations and that will stand me in good stead for Rio."

In Kazan, Bronte Campbell went on to become just the third person in history to complete the 50m-100m freestyle double at a world titles.

"It was a great breakthrough meet. It showed I can stand up and perform under pressure at an international meet," Bronte Campbell said.

"But Rio is going to be completely different. There is no point comparing this year with next year.

"But it's given me confidence. I will see how far that can push me over the next year."

Australian coach Jacco Verhaeren will also see how far he can push his team after they nabbed seven gold to fall narrowly behind No.1 nation United States (eight gold) at Kazan.


3 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


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