It took a brief visit to Australia and Andrew Bree's vision was broadened. Big on ministerial talk, slow on action, Ireland has always lagged behind the rest of the world when it comes to swimming. European silver medallist Gary O'Toole has been a credible exception, triple Olympic champion Michelle Smith de Bruin an incredible one. It is to O'Toole's records that Bree turns to gauge his own progression.

The Ulster swimmer feels the Olympic Games will offer him a reasonable chance to size up the former champion's breast stroke records, which are over 10 years old. For unenlightened eyes, that alone may stir interest as the 19-year-old from Ards swimming club and now the Commercial Club in Australia takes to the blocks in his first Olympic race on Saturday, September 16th in the 100 metres breast stroke.

Already in Australia ahead of the three other Irish swimmers, Chantal Gibney, Emma Robinson and Colin Lowth, Bree has undergone a transformation over the last number of years. Once a talented five-foot-six swimmer, he speedily became a gangling six-foot-five swimmer over the course of 12 months. His size now means that he has a frame on which a serious swimming physique can be built.

"He's a very talented swimmer," says Trojan coach Carole Walsh. "He now has the perfect physique. He has a lot more to develop in his stroke, still has to build up strength, but he has a delightful attitude and is very receptive to advice."

The former Campbell College student is unlikely to win medals in Sydney; Athens in four years time is a more realistic prospect. But there are milestones ahead, with O'Toole's records forming part of what he hopes will be a studied progression.

"Gary O'Toole holds very good records," he says. "I'm 0.5 (of a second) off in the 100 metres breast stroke. I'll be going out pretty hard and I'll be trying to get under one minute and four seconds on the first day," he says. "I think Gary's records are within my grasp when I'm tested."

Bree last left a mark on Irish swimming in July, when he won six gold medals at the National Championships in Lisburn, claiming Ulster senior records in five of the six events (from 50 metres breast stroke up to 200 metres, and 100 metres individual medley up to 400 metres.)

"I Had a great meet at Lisburn. I didn't taper or rest up, but just swam as part of my training. I entered the six events to race though, and they went well," he says.

The venue for the swimming events in Homebush, Sydney will hold few surprises for him in September. The thrill of diving into the water with 13,000 spectators baying from the bleachers has been one of the most exciting moments of this year's build-up. Having competed in the Australian Olympic trials in May, Bree has had a near-perfect dry run.

"The aquatic Centre holds 13,00 people. In the evening sessions during the trials it was unbelievable and it will be bigger for the Olympics. I won't feel intimidated. I know my way around. I know the weather and I won't be distracted by the village," he says.

"I've set a challenge for myself. There is no point in swimming for the sake of it. I definitely have high hopes of swimming a good PB (personal best time)."

Being a breast stroker, Bree's sessions are highly technical. Technique will take him further than power, but the marriage of the two is what he's ultimately seeking. After the games, he will try to add to his stroke and bodyframe in the University of Texas, Knoxville.

But the recognition of knowing where he needs to improve does not rule out the possibility of exceeding national expectations in Sydney.

"The Australian swimmer Duncan Armstrong dropped four or five seconds in 1988 to win the 200 metre freestyle," he says. "Before the Olympics he was ranked 46th in the world or there abouts. Suddenly he won it. It can happen. It is a possibility."

Bree is correct. Few people paid attention to Armstrong in Seoul. But few knew of his tactics. Racing alongside the American Matt Biondi, Armstrong was advised by his coach Lawrie Laurence to conserve energy by swimming as close to Biondi's lane as possible, knowing that the American would lead out the first 150 metres. As Armstrong explained later: "I just sucked into his trough and body-surfed the first 100 metres." In the event, Armstrong took gold in a world record time of 1:47.25.

While history has taught Ireland to feel queasy about big shocks in Olympic swimming events, Bree's character will allow him to stoically take away what ever Sydney offers. But now, he's working on speed, thinking positively.

"If I can take it out in 1:05.00 and take it home in 1:10.00, that's sweet," he says of the 200 metres breast stroke. "That's around 2:15.00. That's a semi-final."

Sweet indeed.