Olympic gold medalist Cassie Patten told Sky Sports that she is "so excited for the summer."
The retired open water swimmer discusses Britain's chances
Olympic champion Cassie Patten, bronze medallist at the 2008 Games, told
Sky Sports News that she is "so excited for the summer."
After winning her medal in the 10k open water event four years ago, Patten was forced to retire in September due to injury.
She said: "It was a really, really difficult decision, with London being so close I was pushing myself really hard to go for it. My shoulder started to hurt in the February of last year and I was just training through.
"But I'm just excited to still be part of it and to have it in London it's just incredible."
As the athlete discussed and observed the 400g medals for the Games this year, she spoke about how important the Olympics are in sports such as swimming.
Incredible
"As a child being involved in swimming you always have that dream of winning an Olympic medal," she added.
"I remember touching and finishing and knowing I had got a third and it was like every single Christmas and birthday all combined into the space of a second and it was just incredible.
"It never will sink in as it is such a huge achievement."
Patten also admits that people do not realise just how much hard work goes into the training and preparation for a shot at Olympic glory.
"Becky Adlington gets up at 4am every single morning, to try and win one of these (medals). There is so much work that goes into it; it is the pinnacle of everything you've worked for. It's an incredible feeling."
With the Games now just one month away, she reveals that the mood in the GB camp is one of pure excitement.
"We've got such a good, strong friendship group between the swimmers. If you can imagine going away and having this massive thing that everybody's looking forward to but sharing it will all of your best friends- it's incredible."
