My party girl rep is least of my worries, says Stephanie Rice

Melbourne, July 1 (ANI): Australian swimmer Stephanie Rice, who recently attracted criticism for posting racy snaps on Twitter, has said that she is going into the Olympics focussed.

Outside the pool, the 24-year-old has garnered her share of negative attention over the years - first as a party girl, post-Beijing, a reputation ignited by pictures posted on Facebook of her in a sexy cop costume.

Then controversy called again after she referred to the South African rugby team as "faggots" in a tweet, and later had to issue a public apology.

It's tempting to assume she'll be similarly cocky in person. In fact, she's friendly, funny, humble about her achievements and determined to do the best she can.

Perhaps these Olympics could be an opportunity for Rice to remind people why she's in the public eye in the first place.

"I've always wanted the swimming to do the talking; that's the most important thing," News.com.au quoted her as saying.

"But at the end of the day, I can't change what other people think of me," she added. (ANI)