The Helen's Bay man bids for the FINA A time as stipulated by the Olympic Council of Ireland for qualification when he competes in the 200metre breaststroke at the US National Championships in Indianapolis.

Bree will be in top class company as swimming's golden boy Michael Phelps - the multi-Olympic gold medallist - has entered the 200m breaststroke along with world record holder Brendan Hansen.

Bree has been in excellent form over the past month and just two weeks ago he clocked a 2.15 - 1.5 seconds off the time needed to make next year's Games.

"When I did that time I wasn't shaved or tapered so I was pretty pleased with that," said Bree, who has had two weeks' rest in order to peak for this evening's event.

"There's a great field here in the 200m breast and I'm hoping they can drag me and inspire me to the qualification time."

Bree has 12 months in which to make the qualification time of 2.13.69 which would be a new Irish record but having turned in such good performances lately he knows this is an ideal time to be shooting for Beijing.

The European silver medallist has increased the intensity of his training in recent months, even going back to basics and examining every detail of his stroke with University of Tennessee coach John Trembley.

"I've had a real hunger in training that for a while was missing," added Bree.

"I would have been working hard before but there wasn't the same enjoyment which I have now. I've been looking forward to every training session."

Breen will also compete later in the week in Indianapolis in the 100m breaststroke.

Meanwhile, Ulster swimmers Melanie Nocher, Clare Dawson and Jonny Nixon are part of the Irish team heading to the World University Games today.

Nocher, Ireland's top senior swimmer, will be hoping to make the finals in the 100m and 200m backstroke despite still recovering from recent illness.

Nocher said: "I was going great in training when I got hit by glandular fever and I was forced to take time off and miss the Irish Championships.

"But as the days go by I'm feeling stronger and when we get to Bangkok there will be another week before I actually start competing so hopefully by then I will be ready to go and give my best."