By Ian Gordon, PA Sport, Sydney

James Hickman believes the magical atmosphere in Sydney can inspire him to an Olympic medal.

The 24-year-old is confident he can challenge for a podium place in the 100m and 200m butterfly events - having dropped the individual medley.

Hickman reckons he is getting better by the day, having re-discovered his old form when he equalled his British record in the 100m discipline at the trials.

"Equalling the record was just perfect for me," said the Leeds-based swimmer. "It got the momentum going, but I just hope I have not peaked too soon.

"I am just looking forward to being in that atmosphere. If there is one place in the world you want to be this month it's Sydney. The whole world will be watching and I love that.

"The Australians are also a very knowledgable crowd about swimming, which is great.

"I have not swum my best times yet. I want to do those here. I have competed hard and trained hard and now I am ready for the Olympics."

Hickman launches his Games campaign in the 200m butterfly at the International Aquatic Centre on Monday.

"I think I can get a medal," said the Manchester-born swimmer, who is currently ranked eighth in the world in both butterfly events.

"That's what I want to do. Nobody has got their hands on the medals yet and a million and one things can happen between now and the event.

"I am getting better and faster with each race. I am not going to say if the 100m is better for me than the 200m as I am just looking to swim fast butterfly."

Hickman should be joined in the 200m butterfly final by Stephen Parry, the Liverpudlian who has taken his Commonwealth record for the distance to be ranked fourth in the world.

"We want to beat each other, but at the end of the day we are also on the same team and we will be happy for each other," added Hickman.

"When you get into an Olympic final, if you have got another team member there then you have got a friendly face."