By Ian Gordon, PA Sport, Sydney

PAUL PALMER

Paul Palmer faces the toughest task of the British Olympic team with an opening day encouter with Sydney superkid Ian Thorpe in the 400metres freestyle.

But Palmer has proved at Olympic, World and European competitions that he can win medals at the highest level and could do so at these Games. But gold is unlikely unless the huge weight of expectation gets to Thorpe.

ALISON SHEPPARD

At 27, Sheppard is in the form of her long career which has already emcompassed three Olympics. With three Commonwealth 50m freestyle records in July these Games offer her the best chance of a medal.

The Canada-based Scot is revelling under the new training regime set by her husband and coach, Gary VanderMeulen but she again faces a swimming hot-shot in Dutchwoman Inge de Bruijn.

STEPHEN PARRY

Stephen Parry is, on current rankings at least, Britain's best bet for a podium finish having emerged from the shadow of James Hickman to clock the fourth best time in the world in the 200m butterfly.

The 6ft 5in Liverpudlian could easily come away from his first Games with a medal having devoted himself full-time to swimming in the last 18 months after graduating from university in Florida.

SUE ROLPH

Having been pre-selected for the Games, Sue Rolph has kept her competitive instincts in check after a couple of seasons picking up a clutch of titles at the Commonwealth Games and European Championships.

The 22-year-old from Newcastle will need to be in British record breaking form if she is to challenge in the 200m Individual Medley while the awesome presence of Inge de Bruijn awaits in the freestyle events.

JAMES HICKMAN

Long-regarded as Britain's premier butterfly exponent - with a world short course title and record to prove it - James Hickman has lost his place as Britain's number one to Stephen Parry.

The Leeds-based fanatical Manchester City supporter, who has his own website, has dropped the individual medley to concentrate on the 100m and 200m butterfly where there could be two Brits in the final.