A ninth year on the national swim team may loom but champion butterflier Jessicah Schipper reckons she is still learning.

And Schipper, 24, admits she will need all her smarts just to make the final in her former pet event - the 100m butterfly - at this week's 2011 world title selection trials.

A harsh lesson in 2010 has ensured Schipper won't be dropping her guard in the 100m fly heats when the trials begin in Sydney on Friday.

Then again, a quick look at the entry list would also have eliminated any complacency.

In a star-studded field, Schipper will need to combat the likes of Delhi Commonwealth Games star Alicia Coutts, golden girl Stephanie Rice, ironwoman Emily Seebohm and pocket rocket Yolane Kukla to earn a 100m fly nod.

Only two swimmers can qualify to contest each event at the world titles in Shanghai in July.

But Schipper is up for the challenge after missing the chance to defend her 100m fly Commonwealth title at Delhi.

The former 100m fly world champion was left shellshocked at the Delhi trials when rising star Coutts ensured Schipper could not contest the event, limiting her to only one individual event at the Games - the 200m fly.

It ensured Schipper sat in the stands until the final days of the Delhi meet as Coutts cleaned up five gold - including the 100m fly.

"Last year was pretty hard, missing out on the 100m butterfly. I have got to be more careful about getting through heats," Schipper said on Monday.

"But every meet I have gone to I have had a different learning experience - I am not expecting anything different this year.

"Learning makes you a better swimmer, hopefully I am a better swimmer from the previous year's experiences."

Schipper admitted she could not guarantee even making the 100m fly final.

"I don't think anyone can take it for granted. There are so many young people coming through, it is going to be tough," she said.

"But when I started making the team I was raised against the likes of Petria Thomas and Felicity (Galvez).

"And I have been around for a while.

"I know what a good preparation is ... and I am pretty happy with this one so far."

Indeed if anyone can put the threat in perspective, it is the down to earth, obscurity-loving Schipper.

Recently married, Schipper likes to keep busy out of the pool as a part-time receptionist.

"I was talking to someone about this today, if I make it this will be my ninth year on the team - to be able to say I have been around that long is very encouraging," she said.

"I hope I haven't changed form the person that I used to be.

"I swim for the enjoyment and not the publicity.

"That's where (coach) Stephan (Widmer) came in, his outlook on swimming, having a well balanced life outside of the pool."

Schipper said she would weigh up her future after the London Olympics.

"(But) there are a lot of things we need to do before we step into that (retirement)," she said.

Laine Clark
AAP