MICHELLE SMITH has no intention of putting her Aquablade swimsuit away. Her eyes are already looking ahead to a couple of major championships in Australia, ironically the home of her 200 metre butterfly conqueror Susan O'Neill.

"I don't intend to retire. I will compete in the World Championships in Perth two years time but my main target is to defend some of my titles in Sydney in 2000."

The dream of Australia lies ahead, however, but the memories of Atlanta `96 are set to stay with Smith for ever.

"When I stood on the podium alongside Susan O'Neill, I felt tears come into my eyes. I wondered was it because I was sad at not winning a fourth gold. Then I realised they were really because I was so happy. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be going home with so many medals. It was sheer happiness. This week has been the greatest week of my life.

"I enjoyed every minute of the races," said Smith. "I am the sort of person who responds to tough races and that is what I got here."

Smith is scheduled to return home with the rest of the Irish Olympic team to Dublin on August 6th.

"I knew the 200 metres butterfly would probably be my hardest race of all, because it was coming after the three finals. The last 50 metres of this swim were the hardest I have had to face all week.

"I had a decision to make whether to compete in the 200 metres medley or not and, if I hadn't, I might have done better here, but, if I hadn't, I would have missed out on another gold medal so I can't be sorry about my decision to go in the medley," she concluded.