 Sexton was seventh in the 200m backstroke final in Athens |
Katy Sexton admits she is surprised to have made it to the World Swimming Championships to defend her title. Sexton only qualified for the 200m backstroke event from July 29-30 at the final trials in Swansea last month.
"I've had a tough year with health and illness so I'd completely ruled this out," Sexton told BBC Five Live.
"I'm glad I can be there to have a crack at retaining my title. Whether I do or not is a different matter because I'm not 100% fit and healthy."
British swimmers won eight medals at the last world championships in Barcelona in 2003, raising hopes of a successful Olympics in Athens.
But Team GB had to settle for just two bronze medals in the pool, with Sexton finishing seventh in her event.
"The six to eight months after Athens was a grieving process, if you like," said Sexton, who has bounced back to form with a world top-10 time this year.
 |  In the past I've been missing that belief in myself - I've got that now |
"It was a time to accept everything, put the wrongs right and move forward from that.
"I'm not 100% fit and for me to be doing times like I have been has been great. I'd like to think that I've made my mark and that people are going to be worried about me."
Britain's national performance director Bill Sweetenham has predicted a big medals haul for his charges in Montreal.
And, while Sexton is not expected to retain her title, there are high hopes that Mel Marshall could perform strongly in the 200m freestyle after failing to reach the Olympic final.
"In Athens I was desperate to achieve something. I was trying too hard," admitted Marshall, whose final will take place on 27 July.
"Now I'm just enjoying my swimming. That's the key focus for me this year.
"I had a meeting with my psychologist and we covered a lot of key issues. I'm positive and confident.
"In the past I've been missing that belief in myself and I've got that now. I think it's time, after all these years I have put in, to maybe get something back."
British women's hopes in Montreal also rest with Becky Cooke, who is ranked world number one in the 1500m freestyle.
Joanne Jackson and Caitlin McClatchey also have medal chances in the 400m freestyle on Sunday.
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
