London Training Base Inspires Gunning's Olympic Dream

London based Michael Gunning wears the Topsy Turvy Jammers from the Hyperactive range

Having endured the cold British winter and frosty 5.30am daily commute from his home in Kent to London Aquatic Centre, F-Teamer Michael Gunning is thoroughly committed to what he describes as the "biggest year" of his life. The butterfly specialist says he has plenty of support from the swimming community and his fellow F-Teamers to help him cope with the pressure and expectation of 2016.

"You spend winter scraping ice of the window of your car but you always have your dreams and goals. I just think of how much I want to represent my country and that gets me out the door and into the pool," Gunning says.

The 21-year-old is aiming for a top two place at the British Nationals in April to be in with a chance to qualify for Rio.

"There is a lot of pressure, this year is going to be the biggest year of my life. I have to make every second of training count. I've got to be as organised as possible."

F-Teamer Michael Gunning wears the Razzle Dazzle Briefs

Michael plans his schedule meticulously to fit in his full-time childcare studies at University of East London as well as training twice a day. Coming from a family with no swimming background, Michael's mum Gillian is still surprised at how far he's come since, as a young boy, he protested at even going to lessons. Last season Gunning won four gold medals at the London Swimming Championships, regaining his titles in the 100m and 200m butterfly as well as the 200m and 400m freestyle.

"I started swimming when my mum sent me to classes. No one in my family swam and she wanted us to be safe in the water. At first I cried a lot and didn't want to get in but then I made friends and started to love it. She's always been supportive and proud of everything I've done."

Michael also has a "second family" that he credits with providing guidance and relaxation away from the pressure of the pool. Having lived with four-time Olympic medallist Rebecca Adlington, he is now godfather to her and fellow swimmer Harry Needs' daughter.

"I try to go to Manchester every two months to see them. Becky has been a great mentor to me. The best advice she has given me is about confidence. It's something I had struggled with because I always wanted to impress people but she told me that I needed to believe in myself. You can have hundreds of people screaming your name but they can't do it for you. She taught me that I need to do it for me."

Michael shows off the Crazy Cracks Briefs with training partners Aimee Willmott and Georgie Boyle

Also providing a source of inspiration is diving star Tom Daley, who the F-Teamer has come to know through spending his training breaks with the diving team at London Aquatic.

"It's amazing to see how hard he trains. He's going for gold and seeing how hard he works really makes you question yourself and think about how much you want to be successful," reveals Gunning.

Michael says his move to London Aquatic to train has been a dream in itself.

"To go from watching the Olympics here as a spectator to training here is amazing. It's surreal to do that every day."

Funky Trunks is delighted to support Michael on his Road to Rio and ensure he looks good in the process!

Follow him on Instagram at @michaelgunning1