Siobhan-Marie O'Connor prepares for US showdown after Israel medals

She may be clocking up the miles in the air and the laps in the water, but there seems to be plenty of reward for her efforts.

Sky Academy Sports Scholar Siobhan-Marie O'Connor won a pair of silver medals at the European Short Course Championships last weekend in Netanya and next up is a prestigious showdown in Indianapolis called Duel in the Pool.

It's Team Europe v Team USA with some of the world's top athletes going head-to-head. Here are Siobhan's thoughts on jetting round the world, adding to her medal collection and competing on a big American stage.

HOW WAS COMPETING IN ISRAEL?

It was great and I loved getting back into racing after a long consistent block of training at home.

WHAT WERE YOUR HIGHLIGHTS?

I am really pleased with my performances. I was really happy to come away with two silvers, four personal bests and two British records. It has been a great confidence boost going into the new year!

WHAT HAVE YOUR LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF?

I have learnt that I always love racing and it is the best part of what we do.

ARE ALL POOLS AROUND THE WORLD THE SAME? DOES THE WATER FEEL DIFFERENT!?

Most competition pools are similar but some feel different. I think this is because of how tired, fatigued or fresh you are and not actually the water! 

WILL DUEL IN THE POOL BE A BIT OF FUN OR A CHANCE TO SHOW OFF YOUR SKILLS?

I am really looking forward to competing at Duel in the Pool. This is the first time I have been selected to represent Team Europe and I am really excited to race for the team. I'm looking forward to the experience. 

WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR RACING IN THE US?

As this is the first time I am competing at Duel in the Pool, I really don't know what to expect! I will absolutely give it my best and hope I can put in some good performances to get the team some points.

HOW WILL YOU FEEL RACING IN THE SAME TEAM AS SOME OF YOUR RIVALS?

It will feel a bit strange, but I think it will be good fun. It will be strange because I will be competing with some people I normally compete against but Team Europe have a really strong team this year and I am really looking forward to it.

WILL YOU DIVE IN THINKING 'GO EUROPE' OR 'GO SIOBHAN'?

Go Europe! 

WHEN ARE YOU SWIMMING?

I swim in the 400m Medley Relay on Friday. Then it's the 200m Individual Medley on Saturday. 

ARE YOU IN A GOOD PLACE IN THE BUILD-UP TO RIO?

I have a had a really solid, consistent block of training at home in Bath, with very little interruption, which has been good. I just want to continue to focus on improving as best as I can and prepare for next year.

I am heading to Australia in January for a training camp to prepare for the Olympic trials. It will be good to have some sun and get away from the cold, but I will definitely miss home!

ARE THE GB SWIMMERS ALL IN GOOD SPIRITS AFTER A FINE SUMMER? 

There is a great mood in the British camp and everyone is so focused on the next few months leading up to Rio. It is great to be involved in such a strong team.

WHAT'S COMING UP FOR OUR SCHOLARS

25 NOV-DEC 21: Holly Bradshaw, South Africa training camp

11-13 DEC: Siobhan-Marie O'Connor, Scottish Course Nationals

13 DEC: Jessica Judd, European Cross Country Champs, Hyeres, France

17-20 DEC: Siobhan O'Connor, ASA National Short Course Champs, Sheffield

w/c 28th DEC: Elise Christie, British Champs, Milton Keynes