Swimmer James Roberts opens up about girlfriend Gabrielle Epstein

LOVE is the new hand in the deck for swimmer James Roberts as he goes for gold at his home Commonwealth Games.

Swimmer James Roberts with girlfriend Gabrielle Epstein.

LOVE is the new hand in the deck for swimmer James Roberts as he goes for gold at his home Commonwealth Games.

The 26-year-old has battled back from ­injury to be on the cusp of selection for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, competing in what is tipped to be one of the fastest 100m freestyle trials ever, on the Gold Coast on Thursday.

But with his girlfriend, international model Gabrielle Epstein, sitting in the stands, Roberts said he was feeling “happier than ever”.

Australian Swimmer James Roberts is ready for gold at the Commonwealth Games. Picture: Adam Head

“When it comes down to milliseconds, the tiniest thing makes the difference and at the moment I’m in such a good place; I’m really happy and enjoying my swimming and enjoying life outside swimming,” Roberts told The Courier-Mail.

James Roberts with Gabrielle Epstein.

“The biggest thing is being in a positive frame of mind and being happy with what you do and then I firmly believe everything else falls into place after that.”

Epstein, 24, boasts 1.7 million Instagram followers and travels the world shooting in luxurious locations, including the Bahamas, Hawaii, Europe and Los Angeles.

But Roberts remembers her as the young swimmer with a “huge beautiful smile” training with coach Dennis Cottrell at Miami. The pair have been dating for the past year after reconnecting through mutual friends at Burleigh last year. “She seemed like a really happy, positive person and I really found that side of her really attractive,” he said.

Roberts has been announced as a Longines “friend of the Commonwealth Games” and will be mingling with VIPs and celebrities at the Longines Records Club throughout the Games.

Originally published as Swimmer James Roberts opens up about girlfriend Gabrielle Epstein