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Durban - Olympic gold medallist Chad Le Clos on Wednesday said he was comfortable with his fitness level ahead of the FINA World Championships, which start July 19 to August 4 in Barcelona.
Le Clos was hampered by an injury at the end of 2012 and was working back to form.
"It's the first time in a long time that I have felt like myself in the water," Le Clos said in a statement.
"After an injury it is easy to lose track, and I have had to work back to where I feel I am supposed to be.
"Going into Worlds I feel like I am back where I want to be."
The Barcelona event will be different for Le Clos and the rest of the world's top butterfly stars, as it will be first time in a decade that Michael Phelps will not be there as the dominant figure.
"It really will be weird because all of us have always been chasing Phelps", said Le Clos.
The pressure of being the Olympic title holder will also mount on Le Clos, but he feels that he will still use the same techniques to deal with that pressure.
"I know all about the pressure, so it won't be that different. It's all about getting to the final," he said.
"I really want to win the 200 'fly and I hope to be up there for the 100 'fly as well.
"In the 50 'fly I will be pleased to make the final and see what happens from there."
Le Clos had a motivation boost on the eve of his departure for Barcelona when he was visited by Manchester City players who are in Durban for their match against Amazulu
The 21-year old said he was flattered to have French international star Gael Clichy ask for a photo with him.
"It is a fantastic feeling to experience that mutual respect from other top level sportsmen," said Le Clos.
Le Clos was hampered by an injury at the end of 2012 and was working back to form.
"It's the first time in a long time that I have felt like myself in the water," Le Clos said in a statement.
"After an injury it is easy to lose track, and I have had to work back to where I feel I am supposed to be.
"Going into Worlds I feel like I am back where I want to be."
The Barcelona event will be different for Le Clos and the rest of the world's top butterfly stars, as it will be first time in a decade that Michael Phelps will not be there as the dominant figure.
"It really will be weird because all of us have always been chasing Phelps", said Le Clos.
The pressure of being the Olympic title holder will also mount on Le Clos, but he feels that he will still use the same techniques to deal with that pressure.
"I know all about the pressure, so it won't be that different. It's all about getting to the final," he said.
"I really want to win the 200 'fly and I hope to be up there for the 100 'fly as well.
"In the 50 'fly I will be pleased to make the final and see what happens from there."
Le Clos had a motivation boost on the eve of his departure for Barcelona when he was visited by Manchester City players who are in Durban for their match against Amazulu
The 21-year old said he was flattered to have French international star Gael Clichy ask for a photo with him.
"It is a fantastic feeling to experience that mutual respect from other top level sportsmen," said Le Clos.
