Brooke Hanson is swimming without fear for the first time in her career.

The 26-year-old continued her breakthrough performances at the Olympic trials in Sydney by downing Commonwealth record holder Alice Mills in the 200 metres individual medley final.

Hanson was desperate just to make her first Olympic team but is now having to weigh up her options having qualified for the 100m breaststroke, the 200m IM and the likelihood of a 4x100m medley relay spot.

She said confidence was the key.

"Definitely I knew winning the 100m breaststroke on Monday night would take a lot of pressure off me and I could just go out and enjoy my own races and that what I did tonight," she said post-race.

"It was about getting in there and going for the win and I held nothing back and I knew Alice would be coming for me in the freestyle and I am just so glad I was able to hold on." Hanson continues her campaign in the 200m breaststroke heats before the semi-finals tonight .

The highlight of Wednesday night's program will be the 100m freestyle final with Ian Thorpe looking to secure his second berth in an individual event at Athens.

The super fish has rebounded well from his disqualification in the 400m freestyle on Saturday but faces stiff opposition in Ashley Callus, Todd Pearson and Michael Klim.

The top two will earn individual Olympic berths while the top six will likely gain a spot in the 4x100m freestyle relay squad.

Petria Thomas will chase the world record in the 200m butterfly after her stunning performance in the heats.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP