AMY Smith is hoping the short space of time between the British and World Championships will help her cut down her times.

The 25-year-old booked her place in the 27-strong Great Britain squad by coming second in the 50-metre freestyle in Sheffield.

It means she will be testing herself against the best in the world in Barcelona at the end of this month.

To help ensure the squad goes into the tournament in the best possible shape, GB swimming made the bold decision to move the nationals from their traditional slot in March to the end of June.

Smith said: “It’s a bold experiment really but it’s something the Americans have done for a while.

“Hopefully, having a taper before the British Championships and then one so soon after for the Worlds can make a difference, by all accounts it does help to reduce your times.

“Personally I was pleased the nationals were moved to June. I have only been working with my new coach James Gibson since January, so it would have come a bit too early for me.”

Smith was in good form in the 50m and acheived the qualifying time she needed when she came second in 24.54s, behind British team-mate Fran Halsall.

While she did not contest the 100m freestyle, she will be focusing on both events in Spain.

British Swimming is still trying to regain some pride after a disappointing display London Olympics, with new head coach Bill Furniss ruthlessly focussing only on athletes with the potential to win medals in Rio 2016.

With the sport losing £4 million in funding, GB have selected a smaller than usual squad and applied a much tougher criteria for selection, which has seen the likes of Liam Tancock miss out.

“I was relieved to qualify for the World Championships, as it was a lot harder to make the squad,” added Smith.

“A lot of strong swimmers missed out because they wanted to take a smaller squad and I know I will have to swim even faster to make a final in Barcelona.”

Meanwhile, Furniss has described the national team bound for this month’s FINA World Championships in Barcelona as one that is focused on current form and Olympic events.

He said: “I feel it is a focused team and a team focused around Olympic events and current form.

“This is British Swimming’s new philosophy following London and the clear message that came back from UK Sport in terms of a focus requirement on Olympic events.

“Generally, there is a good mix of experience and up and coming talent which is important as we look forward.

“For the younger athletes they will be able to learn a great deal from both the event itself as well as their more experienced team-mates. I believe this tighter focus for the team will give us every chance to succeed at Barcelona.”