Welsh stars target glory at London 2012 Olympics

Welsh compatriots Gemma Lowe, Georgia Davies, David Davies, Tom Allen and Tom Haffield are other potential swimming stars of London 2012.

At the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, Carlin became the first Welsh woman in 36 years to win a championship medal as she took silver in the 200m and bronze in the 400m, external.

Some of Carlin’s biggest obstacles to an individual medal in London are likely to come in the shape of her Great Britain team-mates, with Rebecca Adlington a 2008 double Olympic champion in the 400m and 800m.

Federica Pellegrini of Italy and Camille Muffat of France will also provide stiff competition over 400m, while Denmark’s Lotte Friis is a major force at 800m.

But while British swimming’s strength in depth, external lessens Carlin’s individual medal chances, in the relay it is a positive and the Swansea-based swimmer is likely to form part of a formidable 4x200m selection alongside the likes of Adlington, Caitlin McClatchey, Jo Jackson, Kerrie-Anne Payne, Hannah Miley and Rebecca Turner.

“I think the British team has come a long way since Beijing,” said Carlin, whose determination has earned her the nickname ‘Pit Bull’ from coach Bud McAllister.

“I am still young and getting faster and building towards 2012… hopefully I can get into some finals and post some good times.

“I know once I get in the final it’s anyone’s race. I’ve just got to go out there and give it the best shot I can.

“There is an expectation but I think I put more on myself than anyone else. I’m going to go out there and do the best I can.”

Carlin endured a difficult 2011 World Championships as the after-effects of glandular fever saw her struggle in Shanghai, bowing out of the 400m heats in a time of 4min 9.64sec – some way below her best of 4.05.51.

But if she can bounce back from illness and disappointment and continue her rise, Carlin may yet take her place on the podium in a year’s time.