Karen Pickering MBE hopes Sydney will prove third time lucky.

In her final Olympics, the former Shiverer from Hove can reflect on mixed fortunes in her two previous Games.

The Brighton-born ace managed to finish ninth in the 100m freestyle in Barcelona before being injured in a freak accident with a TV cameraman who got too close to a tumble turn she was performing in training.

Then in Atlanta four years ago she was struck down by a bug.

But this time the 28-year-old declared: "I'm fit and well and at my peak.

"Atlanta was difficult because I was ill. It was a real struggle.

"But now I feel the best I've ever felt. The preparation has gone well."

The fact she was part of the British team which broke the world 4x200m freestyle record in Athens this year is a boost.

"That was a real highlight in a very good year," she added.

Karen is earmarked for the 200m freestyle, in which she claimed a Commonwealth Games silver two years ago, and the 100m freestyle, along with the 4x100m freestyle, 4x200m freestyle and 4x100m medley relays. But she sees the freestyle relays as giving her the best chance of a medal.

She said: "They're our our highest ranked events. We're ranked in the top four in both of them. On paper they provide our best chance.

"I'm in the top 16 in the 100m and the 200m."

The former Brighton and High School girl has put the final touches to her preparation.

"I've been in the Olympic pool and they've added loads of seating on one side and the whole place looks amazing. I'm very happy with it all."

Karen is the oldest member of Britain's female swim team..

"I'm not a lot older than every body, but if anyone wants any help they can ask me. I think the best way I can help, though, is to do my job in the water."

It's a long way from when Karen joined Shiverers as a five-year-old and learned to swim with the help of her mum Dee Dee.

Her mum and father Derek, who live in Hove, attended her two previous Olympics and two Commonwealth Games. They saw her win gold medals in the 100m freestyle and 4x100m freestyle relay at her first Commonwealth and, of course, a silver medal the last time. But they are staying at home this time. Derek said: "It's so expensive, but we'll be glued to the TV."

Karen intends one last hurrah at the Commonwealth Games in two years whatever happens in Sydney. Mum and dad should be able to see that one, it's in Manchester.