KIDDERMINSTER swimmer Todd Cooper is keeping Shuttle readers up to date with his Olympic experience with his exclusive blog for the newspaper’s website.

The 25-year-old, who began his swimming career as a youngster with Kidderminster Swimming Club, is representing Great Britain in the 100m butterfly event.

Before he left with the GB team for a 10-day camp in Japan, he posted his first blog, giving readers an insight into his thoughts and feelings as he gets ready to take part in the world’s biggest sporting event.

Cooper, who competed in the Athens Games four years ago, says: “It isn’t about nerves, it is about excitement.

“We’ve trained and applied ourselves for the last four years in anticipation of this, and now it’s time to reap the benefits from all that hard work. I’m excited to see how I’m going to do.

“At the same time it is important for me to manage the excitement level.”

The Games get under way on August 8 and Cooper will be in action for the first time on Tuesday, August 12. Read his blog and follow his progress on our website.