Seebohm relishes pool romance at trials

Heartache agrees with Emily Seebohm, it seems.

But it has not prompted her to break off her high profile romance with fellow dual world champion backstroker Mitch Larkin ahead of the Rio Olympic trials in Adelaide this week.

Seebohm admitted setbacks had helped fuel her stunning 12-month form which she hoped to extend at the 2016 Games selection meet starting on Thursday.

Brisbane-based Seebohm was devastated after her long-time coach Matt Brown relocated to Melbourne a year ago.

Then she dislocated her knee 10 weeks out from the 2015 world titles while riding a horse.

Yet she dug deep to become the first woman to claim the 100m-200m backstroke double at a world titles in 42 years at Russia in 2015.

"Last year it was tough," Seebohm said.

"It was tough to get to worlds but I think it showed how tough I can be."

Seebohm reckons she is ready to show that resilience again at the Rio trials after her preparation was almost derailed by illness.

"I had that illness which was a disruption to me but maybe that's what works because then I can be like 'now I need to train harder to get to that next step'," Seebohm said said of her troubled preparation.

But it seems Seebohm can do without a relationship drama.

Seebohm said she cherished her time with Larkin.

"It's nice to know someone who knows exactly how you are feeling," Seebohm blushed.

Seebohm and Larkin are Australian swimming's power couple - not that you will be able to tell at the trials.

"When we get onto the pool deck we are not boyfriend and girlfriend," Seebohm said.

"We are just friends who know each other really well."

Larkin - the FINA Male Swimmer of the Year - insisted they would act appropriately pool-side at Adelaide.

"Swimming Australia hasn't said anything but they know we are both really professional when it comes to this," he said.

"Once we get to the pool we have a job to do.

"We won't even watch each other's races which will be tough.

"But the main goal is focus on our own performances then celebrate together after."