Erika Fairweather

“I’ve sort of gained a new sense of confidence in my ability,” said Fairweather.

“Going into Worlds I didn’t back myself to be in the medals to be honest, I was thinking I could make a final but I’d be going for 4th, 5th, 6th. Now going forward I think that was a giant mistake, I think I should be reaching higher.”

Fairweather swam outside herself at the World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan to win the bronze medal in one of the most hyped races of the event.

Competing in the 400m freestyle she clocked a time of 3:59.59s, making her just the fifth-ever woman to go sub-four minutes in the 400m freestyle.

The 19-year-old from Dunedin placed third behind Australia’s Ariane Titmus, who set a World Record time of 3m 55.38s, and the USA’s Katie Ledecky, who placed second in 3m 58.73s.

“It was definitely something I wasn’t expecting, I was in a race that was so hyped up so I didn’t think I had a chance. To touch that wall and turn around and see the three beside my name was really cool.”

The medal win was a career highlight for the young swimmer and saw her become just the sixth ever New Zealander to win an Aquatics World Championship medal.

It also prompted a change in the 19-year-old’s attitude and self-belief.

She’s also seeing the benefits of a more flexible routine.

“In the last couple of years, high performance sport has been more of a lifestyle for me. When I was at school I felt like a schoolkid who was really good at their hobby, compared to a high performance athlete. Nowadays everything I do is based around swimming, I live and breath it.”

With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games fast approaching Fairweather is making sure that enjoying the whole experience remains her priority.

“I have a cruisy attitude towards swimming. I want to do well but I’m also not put off by pressure. I’m just quietly backing myself and we’ll see what happens.”