Kirsty Balfour admits her performances at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne will put her in the unfamiliar position of favourite for the European Championships.
The 23-year-old claimed her fourth 100 metres breaststroke title at the British Championships, incorporating the European trials, in Sheffield in a time of one minute 9.26 seconds.
However, it was her display in Melbourne that launched her into world-class territory and means she will be ranked number one approaching the event in Budapest.
Balfour said: “I have never done a European long course before so to go in ranked first will be quite exciting.
“It was a breakthrough (in Melbourne). I swam at the last Commonwealth Games but this time it was my first medal at a major meet.
“It was a great experience, not just the medal but also the times I did. I was really pleased with them.”