By David Martin, PA Sport, Sydney

Jonathan Edwards was seeking forgiveness on Tuesday as his final Olympic preparations got off to the worst possible start.

The contrite Christian has apologised to Britain's swimmers after he had reportedly branded them a bunch of party-loving medal no-hopers.

But Edwards insisted that his quotes in an exclusive column on Sky Sports web-site - which he has now stopped - were incorrect.

"I was deeply shocked to read the comments attributed to me," said Britain's triple jump gold medal favourite.

"They are things I did not say. I was misrepresented. It is galling for me and most upsetting for others.

"I have written a letter to them expressing my regret. I have also spoken to Paul Palmer and Sue Rolph because I train with her."

Edwards, who arrived at Britain's pre-Games training camp on Queensland's Gold Coast on Monday," said: "It was a bit disorientating to arrive and be whisked away for a meeting with my team management.

"I was deeply shocked and had not anticipated this at all. It was just a causal conversation about life in the village.

"The swimmers enjoy a party and they are proud of their reputation, everybody knows that.

"Maybe 90 per cent of the people in the village are not going to win a medal. But they compete at the highest level and also go along to enjoy the Olympic arena.

"I deeply regret my association with the web-site and I will not be continuing with it.

"It is not the way I expected to start my preparations, but I hope I can put this behind me now and concentrate on the Olympic Games."

In his letter to the swimmers, Edwards wrote: "I am writing an unreserved apology for the words attributed to me on the Sky website.

"As I'm sure many of you are aware, many of the comments we make to the written media are distorted and rearranged to bear no relation to what we intended. This is a case in point.

"I certainly said you intend to party once your events were over - who doesn't? But I categorically didn't say - '90% of the swimmers can't win medals.'

"I train alongside Sue Rolph on a regular basis and I'm under no illusions about your commitment and the outstanding quality of your team.

"I am extremely disturbed to hear of the commotion caused by the article on my arrival this morning. I trust this letter will clear up any misunderstanding."

World record holder Edwards insisted he was not feeling the pressure as he bids to win the gold that eluded him in Atlanta four years ago when he was hot-favourite to win.

"I did feel a great deal of pressure going to Atlanta," said the Gateshead Harrier who won his final competition in Tokyo last weekend. "I was hoping to win the gold then, but I was satisfied with the silver.

"But I feel at peace with myself and I just want to enjoy what is a fabulous opportunity to go to a fourth Olympic Games at 34. I do not feel the pressure at the moment."

Edwards also denied saying that only he and heptathlon ace Denise Lewis had gold medal chances in Sydney, insisting the likes of Colin Jackson, Steve Backley and Paula Radcliffe were also in with a chance.