ALTITUDE training in Mexico has been a welcome break for Swindon’s Jazz Carlin as she prepares for an assault on the World Championships.

Carlin reached the peak of her career last summer as she picked up two silver medals in the 800m and 400m freestyle events at the Olympic Games in Rio.

However, not wanting to hang up her goggles just yet, the 26-year-old got back in the pool just weeks later to prepare for another season.

Whilst admitting that returning to training was anything but straightforward, Carlin is currently with Team GB alongside fellow British swimmers as part of a high-altitude training programme to prepare for the World Championships in Budapest this coming summer.

And her time in La Loma has reinvigorated the Tigersharks swimmer ahead of another big year.

“I definitely struggled after getting back into training following Rio, but after talking to so many different athletes, that seems the norm,” she told Team GB.

“I felt a little bit down after having it in the back of my mind for so long and so it felt really strange that it was all over, but I’m really excited and motivated again now.

“Since coming out to Mexico, I’ve really found that drive and determination again.

“It’s been great for me having the boys to chase and to push myself every day, as it’s always nice seeing their face when you get the edge over them.

“I’m still so competitive and still love racing, so I am very much looking forward to the trials in April to hopefully book my place on that team.”

Carlin got her first taste of major championship success at the World Championships back in 2009, claiming bronze in the 4x200m freestyle final in Rome.

She also landed individual bronze in Kazan two years ago and is looking to climb higher on the podium this summer in Hungary, but will have to overcome home favourite and close friend Boglarka Kapas, who she edged into bronze in the 800m freestyle final in Rio.

“I’ve always loved competing at the World Championships, ever since I first competed in Rome in 2009,” she added.

“It is another opportunity to take on the best competition in the world and that’s why I love swimming.

“It’s great having the home crowd support, but I love having a great atmosphere in any arena.

“It really spurs me on when you have an exciting race that the crowd enjoys.

“I’m great friends with Borglarka. After the 800m race in Rio, she said she wouldn’t have wanted to share the podium with anyone else than me.

“It was very sweet and she’s such a nice girl but when we get on the blocks we’ll be doing everything to get our hand on the wall first.”