Nocher surprise

Melanie Nocher is the Irish record holder at 200m backstroke

Swimmer Melanie Nocher says she is surprised to be going to next month's Beijing Olympics as her initial target had been to compete in London in 2012.

"At the start of the year I was thinking that Beijing was out of the question as I was two and a half seconds outside the qualifying time.

"To have improved enough to get under the qualifying time is very satisfying.

"I never thought I would get to these Games as I was focused on 2012 so to be going to Beijing is a complete bonus."

The Irish 200 metres backstroke record holder says hard work and discipline were the key ingredients in her success this year.

"I have been having nine swimming sessions each week, three gym sessions per week and have shown some discipline by eating the right stuff and sacrificing a lot of nights out with friends.

"If you really want to succeed, you have to give it 100 per cent.

"That means getting up at 4.45am on cold winter mornings when it is not easy to get out of bed but, at the end of the day, you wouldn't do it if you didn't love it.

"The sport has come on so much, even in the last year, that you have to give it 100 per cent, but it is all worth it."

Nocher is set to compete in two events in Beijing

The City of Belfast swimmer says her phone has not stopped ringing since the news of her selection for the Irish team for the Games.

"It has been hectic and the reality of it has not really had time to sink in yet but I'm sure it will by the time I am on the plane to China.

"Whenever I heard I was going I still hadn't done the qualifying time so it was amazing that I had been picked. Then I achieved the time at the British Nationals and was pleased to have reached the standard they wanted.

"I felt I had earned my place rather than having it handed to me and that really made me feel part of the team," added the 20-year-old.

Nocher says she will try to not put too much pressure on herself and maintains realistic targets for the Games.

"My main event will be the 200m backstroke, which starts on 14 August, but before that I hope to go in the 200m freestyle, beginning on 11 August.

My dad has managed to get tickets to watch the swimming and has also booked flights, so he is just hoping to find accommodation now Melanie Nocher

"I know I have to go there and produce the goods but at the same time I need to relax and be chilled out to swim well. If I go there and achieve a personal best time, I'll be very happy."

The Irish swimmer will fly out to Beijing on 26 July "to acclimatise, go to the pool and adapt to all the surroundings" and will have the support of her father when she competes in the pool.

"My dad has managed to get tickets to watch the swimming and has also booked flights, so he is just hoping to find accommodation now, but I'm sure that won't be a problem.

"It will be good to have Andrew Bree on the team too as he is another swimmer from Northern Ireland and we have been on trips together before.

"He is a great guy, very focused and determined, who knows what he wants. I can certainly learn a lot from him," explained Melanie.

"It will be nice for everyone else in the team to support each other and the Olympics offers a chance to meet other people and understand more about the sports they are taking part in.

"I hope to watch some of the other sports and also plan to attend the Opening Ceremony and the Closing Ceremony.

"I have been down to Dublin to collect the kit I will be wearing at the ceremonies but haven't had time to try it on yet. I'm sure it will be a proud moment when I do put that Irish tracksuit on."