SYDNEY - The first thing that strikes you about Australian sprint swimmer James Magnussen outside the pool is his overwhelming, frequently articulated, confidence.

The world champion simply exudes the stuff and that might not be a bad thing as he looks set to take the step up from national renown to global fame at this year's London Olympics.

In the pool, Magnussen has backed up his words with times that have made him a strong favorite to become the first Australian since Michael Wenden in 1968 to win men's Olympic gold in the 100 meters freestyle on Aug 1.