Lewis Clareburt is hoping a move to Melbourne can help fuel another successful Commonwealth Games campaign.
The New Zealand swimmer, who won gold in the 200m butterfly and 400m individual medley in Birmingham, is set to compete in four events in Glasgow from July 24.
Speaking with Sport Nation’s Millsy & Guy, Clareburt explained why he shifted across the Tasman earlier this year as he builds towards both Glasgow and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“I think just naturally having someone that is just as good as you in the lane next to you every single day, that’s the racing that you get in training,” Clareburt said.
Clareburt said New Zealand does not always have the depth to provide that level of daily competition, while Melbourne has given him the chance to train alongside emerging Australian talent.
“There’s a couple of Aussie guys that are up and coming that are also looking like they’re going to be pretty good on the world stage,” he said.
While this year’s Commonwealth Games will be scaled back after Victoria pulled out as host and Glasgow stepped in, Clareburt still hopes the event carries the same meaning.
“I hope it does hold the same value,” he said.
“It would have been awesome to actually have the full-scale Commonwealth Games. And with me being in Melbourne now, it would have been great to be here.”
Listen to the full interview below: