The 21-year-old was overwhelmed by the level of public support in Australia, after charging away from the pack to lead by more than a minute in the 10km event, before eventually finishing 20^th in Rio.

“It’s pretty crazy,” Poort told the Mercury.

“Not even my parents knew I was going to do that, we kept the race plan so secret. Usually the tactic is to sit back and save your energy, so maybe I’ve pioneered something.

“I’m not sure I’ll keep doing it, it takes a lot of training and mental preparation to commit to doing it, which is why the plan was two years in the making.”

In the days after the race, Poort gained an insight into the social media sensation he became in the Illawarra and across the nation.

Many who were staying up to watch the Australian women’s basketball team, the Opals – who were knocked out by Serbia in the quarter finals – were captivated by Poort’s daring solo swim.

“It’s exciting to know there was so much support back home, I was almost able to pull off something pretty special,” he said.

“It’s great to raise the profile of the sport, but it’s a bit overwhelming to think so many are watching on TV and cheering you on. 

“I guess that’s what makes the Olympics so amazing.”

So closely guarded was Poort’s secret Rio race plan, only his coaches knew.

However, he admitted letting it slip once.

“I was having a few beers during a break from training,” Poort said.

“I told one of my close mates about it, but thankfully he kept it to himself. 

“He was pretty excited to see it happening, like everyone else.

“I really thought I could do it during the race, but the cramping and lactic acid build-up set in at the end.”

While Poort believes he can be a gold medal contender again in four years time in Tokyo, for now, the Wollongong talent is off to Hawaii next week.

But far from being just a reward for all the months of swimming 80km per week to prepare for Rio, Poort will doing it all for a worthy cause.

Poort will be swimming in a team – which also includes Cook Islands Olympian Wes Roberts – to raise money and awareness for the Black Dog Institute, a charity for depression and suicide prevention. “September is exercise your mood month, so it’s an important event for an important cause,” he said. 

“We’re swimming in a relay, so it should be a fun race.

“It will be good to have a few days to relax and enjoy it.”