Long distance specialist David Davies is a passionate Cardiff City fan.
Due to his preparations for the world short course championships, the Athens Olympic 1500 metres bronze medallist could not make Wembley last Sunday.
Indeed, he passed up the opportunity of two tickets for the historic win over Barnsley.
But Davies, who swims the furthest distance on the programme, will be at the final against Portsmouth.
"After all the work I've put in, I want my own success," said the 23-year-old. "I wouldn't say it would mean more if Cardiff won the cup final than me winning an Olympic gold.
"But it would be right up there. It's a bit surreal to think Cardiff are in the final for the first time since 1927 and it's given me a real buzz for this week. I couldn't make the semi because of my preparations for Manchester. But if I can get tickets for the final, I'll definitely go.
"I go down to Ninian Park most weekends so I'm not just jumping on the bandwagon."
Davies is one of the favourites for a world 1500 metres medal as Britain's swimmers look to back up their stunning displays at last week's Olympic Trials.
Fantastic
Britain's new 50 metres world record holder Liam Tancock swims in the 100 metres backstroke today while American Ryan Lochte makes his first appearance of a busy programme in the 100 metres breaststroke.
And British head coach Chris Nesbit believes the next five days will be a fantastic opportunity for the sport to raise its profile.
"Snooker only became such a popular sport when it switched to colour television," said Nesbit.
"And the way we are trying to promote swimming this week is similar. We hope it's going to be exciting to other than the swimming enthusiast. If you talk to the average person they probably don't know much about the sport.
"But it can become exciting and this is one way of selling it to the average Joe."
Tickets for tonight's opening ceremony are still available by visiting www.menmedia.co.uk/boxoffice or calling 0844 8471554. Indeed, anyone buying tickets for this evening's finals session can gain free admission to the all-singing, all-dancing opening presentation.
ANYONE need a swimming pool? Organisers have confirmed the main competition pool will be sold off after the championships.
"It would be ideal as a permanent installation, as a community pool amongst other options," said a spokesman.
The pool comes with competition equipment and warranty.
For further information contact peter.knowles@m2008.org
Today's programme: 10am: men's 200m free heats; women's 50m breaststroke; men's 100m backstroke; women's 200m fly; men's 100m breaststroke; women's 100m backstroke; men's 100m fly; women's 400m IM; men's 4x100 free; women's 4x200 free. 5.30pm: opening ceremony; men's 200m free final; women's 50m breaststroke s-f; men's 100m backstroke s-f; women's 200m fly final; men's 100m breaststroke s-f; women's 100m backstroke s-f; men's 100m fly s-f; women's 400m IM final; men's 4x100m free final; women's 4x200m free final
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