Committed Cameron targets world crown

Olympic gold medallist looking to take the 50m and 100m double at world championships

CAMERON van der Burgh, fresh from his first real holiday in nearly four years, feels the effects of his break in training.

"I'm hurting," he says, "but in a week or so I'll be fine."

The 100m breaststroke Olympic champion is preparing for the world championships in Barcelona in late July, looking to take the 50m and 100m double for the first time in his career.

He admits his lengthy holiday - enforced after suffering a shoulder injury while competing in the World Cup series last year - has robbed him of some valuable training time, but he was pleased to have some time out.

"For three-and-a-half years you're not a normal person, so it's been great to take time out without feeling guilty."

Van der Burgh admits he will have to curtail his sponsorship and media activities as he returns to the grindstone.

"You have to make your choice - whether you're a swimmer or a socialite.

"I see myself as a sports star, not a socialite. Yes, you've got to cash in when you can, but you've got to remember what got you there in the first place."

His life has changed forever since his world record swim in 58.46sec to clinch the Olympic crown in London, and the fact is that he is a celebrity now.

He was invited to ring the bell to start the day's play during the Proteas' first cricket test against Pakistan at the Wanderers in early February.

And although he never requests it, he finds himself being upgraded to business class for local flights.

"I get to meet the pilots. I know it's illegal, but I have always wanted to sit in the cockpit while a plane is coming in to land.

"Each time I asked the pilots if they would let me in and eventually one let me do it. It was so awesome," he beams, adding he is considering getting a pilot's licence.

Offers pour in asking for his attendance or endorsement. "I was offered a trip to Mauritius, all expenses paid, for 10 days but I felt what they wanted in return was not worth it."

Van der Burgh, a competent golfer who shot a lifetime best round of 79 after the Olympics, also gets invitations to golf days by his sponsors.

At one, for high-flying bank clients, he was impressed by the businessmen he met.

"It was great to see these guys, aged 45 to 50, having a great time and enjoying themselves - just like me.

"I have the best job in the world and I would like to still love what I'm doing when I'm their age," said Van der Burgh, 24.

As a result, he has shifted his study focus from financial management to business management, but then he adds with a laugh: "At the rate I'm going I'll probably finish in 2018."

For now, he's relishing the long haul to Spain.

"I was watching the world short course championships in Istanbul (in December) and it was so exciting. I'm raring to race again.

"I can win in Barcelona, but it won't be by the same margin as in London," warned Van der Burgh.

"I have less preparation time, but I improved my performances so much last year that if I get to the same level, I should be okay. But my opponents will be chasing me, it will be closer. When you're the Olympic champion, people are out to get you."