THE experience of competing at the Commonwealth Games has given Swindon swimmer Tilly Gray added incentive to realise her Olympic dream in 2016.

Gray, who took part in the 100m and 200m butterfly events in the Glasgow pool, may not have raced to the best of her ability at Tollcross but, having tasted the atmosphere and drama of a major Games, the former Commonweal School pupil is desperate to book her place in the Great Britain squad that will fly out to Rio in a little less than two years’ time.

The Bath University student is determined to haul herself to the top of her chosen discipline, telling the Advertiser: “It’s definitely given me a piece of the pie in the sense that I want to be in the top few in the world. I think it’s made me realise that the 200 butterfly in GB is certainly moving on, so I’m going to move on with those girls to compete for that spot in 2016.

“This is a building block to the next level and a milestone to correct any wrongs that haven’t quite gone right this year. I’m looking at the bigger picture here. Two more years is definitely within my reach. I think it’s going to take a 2:07 or 2:08 to qualify but there are so many of us around that time at the minute.

“I really think it’s going to be who, on the day, is the tough one and I know I’m mentally one of the tougher girls out there. My swims at the Commonwealths didn’t really reflect me as an athlete at all but at the same time I did achieve my season’s goal, which was to qualify for the Commonwealths.

“I still did what I set out to do this season, so I’m not disheartened at all.”

Having had to re-qualify for the Commonwealths after having her Welsh eligibility revoked last year, Gray has been through the emotional wringer over the course of the past 12 months.

While she failed to reach the final of her favoured 200m fly, therefore, she remained philosophical, saying: “It’s just been an incredible journey to get to Glasgow. I posted a tweet saying it’s not always about the end result - it’s sometimes about the journey to get there, and I think that speaks its own words.

“Qualifying for two nations is something I’ve not heard many people do and the whole experience there was incredible. It’s the first time I’ve got to go to a multi-sport event so we got to integrate and learn about how other sports train.

“It was an experience I’ll never forget. I would have liked the swimming to have gone better but it really did just take its toll this time around. It’s something I’m going to build on for next season.

“Walking out in front of a crowd as big as that and as loud as that - I cannot even express how phenomenal it was. I don’t think even watching on telly you could tell. It was absolute mind-shock but it really did spur me on.

“My family and friends were there, as were Puddleducks, my sponsors, and it was really heartwarming to see so many people behind me.

“To know so many people were watching me and supporting me was really great - I just hope I didn’t let them down.”

Gray will round off her 2014 campaign by racing in the ASA Nationals at Ponds Forge in Sheffield today.

“I’m here for one last splash and dash. I might do the 200m but I think I’ll stick with the 100, have some fun with it and post one more swim for the season. I’m not expecting too much from it. I’m here to support my teammates and some other friends,” she said.

“I haven’t done the National Championships for a while because I’ve been in America for the past two years and this year was the Commonwealths. It is quite nice to come back. It’s tickling a few emotions again.”

Swindon Dolphin, meanwhile, have three competitors in action in Sheffield today in the shape of Becca Flack, Charlotte Gardo and Charlotte Pitts.