Dolphins face world media in Rio

Australia’s swim team has fronted the world’s media in Rio, with the athletes hoping to reassert themselves as a powerhouse of the pool.

Headlining the squad are the Campbell sisters, who today brushed off comparisons to tennis stars the Williams sisters.

“I think it's very different to Serena and Venus because we are not playing tennis against each other,” Bronte Campbell said during the 30-minute media session.

“We are swimming in a swimming pool with six other people in the race.”

Her sister Cate said she did not feel burdened by being the gold medal favourite in her sprinting events.

“I know that for myself, no-one is going to be more upset if I don't perform than myself,” she said.

The Aussie team has already had two practice sessions in the pool they’ll compete in.

Backstroke medal hopeful Mitch Larkin said the team had gelled and would support each other in their quest for success.

“There is a great deal of respect, we all know how hard we have worked to get here, so we can trust each other,” Larkin said.

The team also paid tribute to legendary late swim coach Forbes Carlile, who died this week aged 95.

“He made a massive difference in swimming, it’s sad he won't be around to see this one,” backstroker Emily Seebohm said.

The team has been in training since arriving in Rio on Monday, with some tipping the squad to bring home as many as 11 gold medals.

Such a result would be a stark contrast to the 2012 London campaign, which was derailed by the behaviour of some athletes out of the pool.