At the start of April I competed at the British International Disability Swimming Championships in Sheffield. I went into the competition feeling strong and with a real determination to get the time needed to qualify for this summer's Paralympic Games.

Once the event had started I felt in a much better place than I had been at the London test event a month earlier. I was happy with my 200 metres individual medley performance which continued into my 100m breaststroke heats.

Unfortunately the good run didn't continue and in the final my shoulder dislocated as it had done previously. It's actually quite ironic because, now that I'm fitter, I've found it more difficult to get the joint back into place when racing – whereas, previously, I've been able to knock it back easily!

I have been invited to Manchester to train at the high-performance centre with the other Paralympic hopefuls. There I can further develop and intensify my training – a great opportunity to train with the team in new surroundings, which is always welcome.

The focus will now be to continue with my training and to work with my physios and doctors to help heal and combat the issue with my shoulder in the best way possible.

I am currently in Majorca, where I am involved in a two-week training camp with the rest of the Paralympic team. We've been there a few times now, and have got to know the facilities and what we have to work with.


We've simply transfered our training schedule to the camp and focus on undergoing an intense period of training. A lot of new team members are attending so it is a great chance to get to know everyone better and develop those relationships that are key to any good team. While swimming is an individual sport, and ultimately you stand on the starting block alone, knowing your team is behind you and having that level of support is invaluable.

Now that the British International Disability Championships are over, the next big focus is, of course, on the Paralympic Games in London.

While attention among the public seems to be on the countdown to the spectacular event, as an athlete it all still seems a long way off. We're at the start of our last cycle of training and we must now concentrate on keeping everything on track. Most of our training time is in the bank, years and years  of hard work; now we've got to make sure we do everything in our power to keep fit and healthy, and be the best prepared we can be.

There's a fine balance, though, and I'm a firm believer in ensuring I have sufficient down time to keep my mind and body rested so that I'm ready for my intense training schedule.

Bring on the next few months!

Liz Johnson, a Paralympic Games 100 metres breaststroke gold and silver medallist in swimming, from Beijing 2008 and Athens 2004, is also a BT Ambassador. BT is the Official Communications Services Partner of London 2012. To find out more details, click here.