Only the United States can match Australia as a powerhouse in the pool. Ian Thorpe is gone, but Australia were still able to wheel out six current world record-holders for their swimming press conference on Tuesday. America has Michael Phelps, Australia’s threat is manifold.

And while they were strong in Athens, Australia believes this team could be better. At one end of the scale is Grant Hackett, who will be attempting to become the first man in 104 years to win the same swimming event in three consecutive Games - at the other is swimming’s young glamour couple Eamon Sullivan and Stephanie Rice.

Sullivan and Rice ended a two-year relationship last month, having broken world record in the 50 metres freestyle and the 200 metres individual medley respectively earlier this year.

Hackett, at 28, is the old man of the team chasing his third gold medal at 1,500 metres. When asked to name his chief threats yesterday, Hackett picked out David Davies, the Welshman.

He also holds the world record at 1,500 metres, one that has stood since 2001, longer than any other man. World records have tumbled this year - in 15 Olympic events - many believe because of the advantage given by the new Speedo LZR Racer swimsuit.

Hackett, who is sponsored by Speedo, believes such advances should be welcomed. "Technical advances happen in every sport,” he said. “We all want to see Michael Jordan jump higher, we want to see Roger Federer play better tennis, we want to see Lance Armstrong on a better bike. It’s fun to see these evolutions and in the sport and it’s very exciting.”

But first gold or three, Hackett is not reducing his focus. He says he will turn down any approaches to carry the Australian flag at the opening ceremony. “It’s a long day and it’s tiring on the legs,” he said. “I’ve got to focus on my performance.

“My expectation is to do better than ever before,” he said. “Sydney was tough, Athens was tougher and I expect this to be even harder.”