WITH the European Aquatics Championships beginning in London yesterday, Wiltshire's Jazz Carlin is looking forward to enjoying her swimming again.

The Bradford on Avon-based star secured her place in Great Britain’s Olympic squad at last month’s British Championships before being called up to represent her country at the Europeans.

The swimming part of the championships doesn’t start until next week but Carlin will head into the competition with a big weight lifted off her shoulders.

“It is still a bit surreal and still feels a bit crazy, but I am just so excited and I can’t wait,” she said.

“I feel much happier and I can enjoy the whole experience rather than stressing about the Olympic trials.

“I think it brought back a lot of memories from four years ago and how tough it was really and I didn’t want to miss out on an Olympics again.

“I just put so much pressure on myself.

“Obviously, everyone was there to support me but I think I was the one feeling all of the pressure.

“It was a tough week and a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions, but it was nice to finally get the qualifying time at the end of the week.”

Carlin, who is expected to go in her favoured 400m and 800m freestyle in London, is now focused on relishing the Europeans without the burden of Rio qualification hanging over her head.

“I just want to enjoy racing again,” she said.

“It is going to be one of those competitions where it is not going to be the easiest but I want to enjoy racing again and being in the atmosphere and soaking it all up.

“Having that support of everyone in the crowd is definitely going to spur us on.”