Tasmanian swimmer Max Giuliani, 20, upsets the Americans with his 100m and 200m freestyle blitz

Tasmania’s Max Giuliani, 20, shocked the Americans with his barn-storming invasion of the USA pro-championships in California. Now the super-fish has his eyes on the Paris Olympics.

Tasmanian swimming star Max Giuliani, of Hobart. Picture News Corp Australia

TASMANIAN super-fish Max Giuliani has set his sights on selection for the Paris Olympic Games next year with the local hero winning the USA pro-championship 100m and 200m freestyle titles in California last week.

Giuliani, 20, of Hobart, smashed his personal best times for the 100m and 200m free, clocking 48.21s and 1m46.23s respectively for the outstanding swims in Irvine, California.

Based on the Gold Coast, the Tasmanian 100m and 200m champion and record holder was part of the Australia A team, made up of swimmers who just missed out on selection for the Dolphins team for the world championships.

Tasmanian swimming star Max Giuliani, of Hobart. Picture News Corp Australia.

“They were big PBs, quite competitive world-class swims for me,” Guiliani said.

“The times I swum in American would have won the 200m free at trials and put me close to making the final at world champs

“It was a bit bitter-sweet, but I’m right there now, which is good.

“I’m stoked to have put together.

“I’ve been working on it for a while so it was great to finally convert.”

Going up against the USA’s swimming squad members was a tough assignment given the depth in the sport.

“They are world-class, they’ve got some really good swimmers, and people put some times down that would have sent them to worlds,” Giuliani said.

“There were some really good swims, especially from the Australian guys.”

Giuliani started the year on a high when he beat multi-Olympic medallist Kyle Chalmers in the 100m freestyle at the South Australian State Championships.

Giuliani is on a break while he works out his spring and summer schedule.

“I’ll be back into training at the end of the month and then I’ll find out what the rest of my year looks like,” he said.

Max Giuliani racing at the Hobart Aquatic Centre. Picture: SOLSTICE DIGITAL

“I’ll be focusing on Paris next year, that’s the goal.”

Giuliani credits his sports psychologist John Novack for the amazing lift in form.

“I had a rough year last year. I wasn’t doing too well at trials and I kind of bombed,” he said.

“I’ve been doing heaps and heaps of work with a sports psych, and he’s been moving mountains for me.

“It has made a huge difference.”