Swimming: Burmester takes time to adapt

Moss Burmester. Photo / Getty Images

Commonwealth Games butterfly champion Moss Burmester has had to deal with a new swimming environment that doesn't suit him - literally.

Burmester admits he has struggled since swimming's full length "super suits" became off limits since January. The 29-year-old took time to adapt.

"I've raced in one from an early age," explains Burmester. "My coach at the time identified that they were going to be a benefit so I started getting used to wearing them earlier on. It has taken a long time and a lot of work to adjust - but hopefully not much longer."

"Moss came through in an era that was all suits," points out swimming high performance manager Jan Cameron. "In contrast, Glen Snyders for example has used mostly just what they have now - just shorts - so each swimmer will be affected differently. Athletes who are thicker-set with a heavier build are going to be more influenced than those who are tall and skinny, because of the flotation."

Burmester, who holds the Commonwealth record of 1m 54.35s in the 200m butterfly (set when he finished fourth at the Beijing Olympics), is currently only ranked eighth among the contenders who will line up in Delhi.

"You can't control what others are doing," he says of his prospects in October. "I want to make the final and then swim as fast as I can. I want to defend my title - I am not currently ranked for it but I will go in there backing myself and giving it absolutely everything."

Burmester did plenty of soul searching after the 2008 Olympics, to convince himself he still had what it takes.

"I 100 per cent believed I was going to get a medal in Beijing. When you train for two years and put everything on the line - and things don't go to plan - it can be pretty devastating."

As he suits up for his third Commonwealth Games, Burmester is in search of his third medal, to complement his famous Melbourne gold and a bronze in the 100m butterfly at the same event.

Despite a frustrating year, the famous work ethic, bordering on obsession, has never wavered.

"Everytime you eat a meal you are thinking about what you are eating, are you eating too much, too little. You wonder if you are getting enough sleep. Everything is forced in between swimming and all put on the line for the goal."