He has been labelled the new “wonder boy” of world swimming, and Mitch Larkin is determined to prove he is worthy of such a title at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Along with South Africa’s Chad le Clos, who has declared his intention to break Michael Phelps’s world records, the Australian looks set to be one of the stars of next year’s pool duels in Brazil.

While 23-year-old Le Clos was already well known following his victory over Phelps at London 2012, Larkin has been the revelation of 2015. The 22-year-old’s double gold – in the 100m and 200m backstroke – at this year’s world championships in Russia put him on the map. Now his focus is on Olympic glory.

“It has been an amazing season, one that you wonder where it came from,” Larkin told the FINA website. “I hope I can continue converting my good training into good races in 2016, with preparation, qualification and ultimately participation in the Games.”

Larkin grew up surfing and enjoying the beaches of Queensland (Photo: Getty Images/Clive Rose)

Larkin, who also won a world championship silver medal in the 4x100m medley relay, knows the Olympic Games mean an event higher level of competition. He competed at London 2012, reaching the 200m backstroke final but finishing eighth.

Asked if this year’s success could be translated into Olympic triumph next year, Larkin said: “My performances would say yes, but the competition will be tough. There are the two boys I beat in the 100m (France’s Camille Lacourt and the USA’s Matt Grevers), who will probably race in their last Olympics, but there are of course other Americans, and there is also (Japan’s) Ryosuke Irie, who is competing fast and also training well.

“I personally think that it will take a world record in the 100m to be Olympic champion. It seems more difficult in the 200m. I’m working on improving some processes, and if I can win some time on this, I believe I can be close to the world record.”

The 100m and 200m backstroke records – 51.94 seconds and one minute 51.92 seconds – are held by the USA’s Aaron Peirsol. Larkin clocked 52.40 and 1:53.58 on his way to world championship gold in the 100m and 200m.

A Brisbane resident, Larkin grew up surfing and enjoying the beach life of Queensland, Australia’s ‘Sunshine State’. His affiliation with water was natural and his swimming talent was soon noticed. “Even before high school, I decided I would try to take swimming seriously and be an Olympian. As a young kid, I watched the Games in Sydney in 2000 and my idols were Ian Thorpe and Grant Hackett.”

Larkin seems set to follow in his heroes’ footsteps in Rio.