BOLTON Olympian Anthony Howard surveyed the surroundings of Sydney's magnificent International Aquatics Centre and declared: "It's almost as good as the Reebok."

Wanderers fan Howard, like the rest of the British swimming team, has been bowled over by the palatial 18,000 seater arena.

And he can only imagine what the atmosphere will be like on Saturday when the aquatics programme gets underway.

So far things are going swimmingly for the 21-year-old qualified physical training instructor.

He was delighted to learn of Bolton's back to back wins over Huddersfield and Grimsby.

"That's great news. It gives me an extra boost before the competition gets underway.

"Someone told me Wanderers had lost 3-2 against Huddersfield so I'm chuffed," enthused the 1998 Commonwealth Games relay bronze medalist.

"It looks as though Michael Ricketts can't stop scoring which is good news."

Howard spent an enjoyable few minutes earlier this week being interviewed by former British swim star, Sharon Davies.

He proudly modelled the new all-in-one swim suit, that has caused so much controversy among the British team, for the glamorous BBC TV presenter.

And he objected only slightly when tactile Davies, once married to former Olympic 400 metres star Derek Redmond, put her hand on his chest to feel the material.

"Steady on,Tiger," grinned Howard, certainly relishing his first appearance at the Olympics.

It's back to the serious stuff though today when he faces a time trial to ensure his place in Britain's 4x100 metres freestyle relay team.

"It's a massive step-up from the Commonwealth Games just to make the Olympic squad," adds Howard.

"But I've worked hard and I believe I can get a place to swim in the heats to start with and hopefully then in the later rounds.

"Everything so far has been first class; from the food, the accommodation, the weather, the facilities. Now it's up to me to do the business in the water."