Kamminga is making a remarkable recovery in his sporting career after a period of illness and exhaustion that hit him shortly after his success at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The 28-year-old, who won silver medals in the 100m breaststroke and 200m breaststroke, has recently been training much less than what a top swimmer needs to stay at elite level, but his form remains good.

Due to his condition, he has only been able to train between four and six hours a week, whereas an elite athlete typically trains between 30 and 35 hours a week. This restriction meant that it took him 18 months to return to normal training.

In statements to the American outlet Swimswam, Kamminga, born in Katwijk in 1996, said, "It's a shame I haven't won a race, but I'm very excited about Cosper's race and the other two.

The swimmer, who recently took part in the Mare Nostrum Tour in Barcelona and Monaco, has started to make a name for himself again despite his lack of victories, showing a recovery in his physical and mental condition with less than 50 days to go until Paris 2024.

Kamminga's return to form suggests that he will be looking to compete at the highest level in his quest for more Olympic medals.

As well as regaining his form, he admitted to Swimswam that he was tired, saying: "I think I've had 16 deep races now, so I'm very tired, but I'm very excited about the race. It's been tough but I'm finally feeling like my old self again and that's very good.

He also commented that he was better in London and was able to race better and faster. "It's about getting used to racing for nine days straight, like at the Olympics."

What he went through after the illness and Covid was very tough. He had to rebuild practically everything from scratch, but he did it with a "steady stroke", according to the athlete, who was voted Sportsman of the Year in Amsterdam and has become a popular figure across Europe.

"We trained very hard in December because we had our eyes on Paris and finally I feel good again. At the end of the week I'm not tired like the last two years. On Saturday morning, I can hit the heights and that's a good feeling," the swimmer told the media specialising in swimming, diving and water polo.