Paralympics: Leslie on track for three-peat in the pool

Swimmer Cameron Leslie is on track to three-peat in the SM4 150m Individual Medley at the Rio Paralympics. Photo/Brett Phibbs

Following New Zealand's disappointing non-haul in the pool at the Rio Olympics, it's up to Cameron Leslie and the Paralympic swimming crew to haul in some medals.

Leslie has been in full-preparation mode in order to get ready for his third Paralympic Games, and he feels he is in good shape going in.

"Preparations have gone well so far. We've spent the last three weeks in the USA just acclimatising to hot conditions and the time zone for Rio, and that has been very useful," he said.

"Performance wise though, I've being going well. I've been doing some very fast times so the signs are good."

Leslie had tentative beginnings in 2006, where he nearly gave the sport away, but he persisted with the discipline to a level of success.

He is on track for a three-peat in the 150m SM4 Individual Medley, an event in which he holds the world record.

Leslie's mindset is simple going into the competition.

"Just go through the process and the end result will take care of itself. Essentially my coach and I are targeting a specific time in the 150 individual medley and whatever result comes with that time we will be happy," he said.

"The aim is to hit a time of 2.23 in the medley, which is two seconds under the world record. Hopefully that brings a gold with it, but, like I said, it's more about hitting that time in my mind."

Leslie will also be taking part in the 200m freestyle and the 50m backstroke, but admits he'll have his work cut out for him.

"I'm no where near the leader of the pack (in those events) so I've got my work cut out for me there," he said.

"The guys I race in the medley are all looking in good shape too, they've got more abs than me that's for sure!"

"Mind you, abs is something I've never really had or cared for. I'm all about functional muscle in the pool for me, and not having legs I use my body very differently in the water compared to your average swimmer."

Outside of competition, there are a few things Leslie is looking forward to.

"There are a few things I'm looking forward to besides myself competing, one being watching our debutant swimmers compete," he said.

"I've spent a lot of time with a 16-year-old on our team called Hamish Mclean and I'm really excited to see him race. He was new on our team last year and with me being the old dog on our team it has been satisfying to be able to help him grow as an athlete and a person."

"Outside of the pool though, I'm looking forward to being part of what will hopefully be a colourful Paralympic Games that will no doubt be the best we've seen in terms of performance across all Paralympic sports."

There are plenty of challenges facing Leslie, such as the abundance of distractions that come with the Paralympics.

"I think a big challenge this time around is staying healthy, we've been warned to constantly be sanitising your hands and all that jazz because of bugs," he said.

"Picking up a gastro bug this late in the piece is something that could easily derail your campaign so I'm just making sure I take care of the little things on that front."

"Another challenge is keeping focussed and not letting village life - and the temptations of the food hall and the entertainment area - catch you out."

Leslie has brought out a line of supporter t-shirts, which you can order here.