Larkin hints at world record swim pace

Not once has Mitch Larkin discussed breaking a world record at the Rio Olympic swimming trials in Adelaide, his coach Michael Bohl insists.

But the reigning Male Swimmer of the Year hinted on Friday night he would give the 100m backstroke mark a crack.

He certainly looks the goods.

Dual world champion Larkin (52.48 seconds) was quickest ahead of Saturday night's final, clocking the world's fastest time of the year and more than a second ahead of his nearest rival.

It would have claimed London Olympic silver but was just outside his world title-winning pace (52.40).

Bohl has done his best to play down speculation Larkin is poised to eclipse American Aaron Peirsol's 51.94 world mark set in the 2009 supersuit era.

Larkin's personal best is the national and Commonwealth record of 52.11.

"I am sure Mitch is thinking about it but we have never discussed it once - that is the truth," Bohl said.

"What happens at the Olympics is the important thing.

"You don't mention it."

Larkin kept to Bohl's mantra but hinted at doing something special in Saturday night's 100m final.

"I know I am swimming well. Whether I am at that next level, you will have to wait and see," Larkin said.

Larkin became the fourth person and the first in 10 years to complete the world 100m-200m backstroke double at the 2015 world titles.

His girlfriend Emily Seebohm was fastest (58.96) ahead of Saturday night's 100m backstroke final.

Seebohm was the fifth woman since 1973 to nab the 100m-200m backstroke world titles double last year.