The competition starts on Wednesday and runs through until Sunday, not only acting as a further test event but also allowing the final Olympic berths to be filled by the successful nations.

Great Britain have not had to endure the qualification process due to being awarded a spot as the host nation, but Price says that has had no impact on their plans.

"It doesn't make a difference to us because it doesn't change or preparations. We know what we have to do in August," she said.

Preparation

Price, who competed as a synchronised swimmer for her native Canada, did not have to bring her team from their training base in Aldershot for the event but feels it could be a telling few days in the Olympic build-up.

She said: "Our routines don't change when we get to competition only our level of performance does.

"So this is the first chance we have this year to see everybody's new programme - who has decided to upgrade or change completely. We can evaluate after this competition to see whether or not our routine is matching the degree of difficulty (of the other teams) - so every moment is critical for us to evaluate competition."

The sport has never attracted widespread attention in Britain but Price is hoping the venue will help the team achieve a decent finish and make more people aware of the discipline.

"At the Olympics we want both teams to make the top six so we are going to work hard to achieve that," she said.

"The venue is lovely. The competitive environment is wonderful and everyone has been commenting on how nice it is."

Great Britain Coach Tammy McGregor is also hoping the sport will receive a boost in popularity due to the Olympics being held in London.

American McGregor competed in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and is aware of the unique opportunities it presents.

She said: "We heard that the tickets sold out in an hour - so anytime a group of spectators get to see the sport live it makes does a lot to make people more aware (of the demands on athletes).

"There is definitely a special something when you compete in your home country. Obviously you want to do your best in front of your friends and family but also in front of your country, but you have advantages like the language and the food being familiar."

Stunning

David Luckes, LOCOG's head of sport competition, is hoping this week's activities can provide even more feedback to the organisers before the major Olympic events start in the summer.

"First of all it is an Olympic qualification event - but for us it is a great opportunity to test this stunning venue," he said.

"We have already two test events but what we are testing here is the public address system and also the underwater speakers.

"What we are doing through these events is making small operational changes that are going to make a difference during the Olympic Games. We can get feedback from the athletes and the feedback from the federations so it is ready to go come July."