It is the largest Australian team to compete at an overseas Paralympics and boasts eight current world-record holders including team captain Matthew Cowdrey who smashed three records at last month’s trials in Sydney.

Austin, who is 27 and has nine Paralympic medals including two golds, is adamant he is no “has been”.

“I’m not just going to Beijing to make three Paralympics, my aim is to go there and win a medal and swim faster than I have ever swum before," he said.

Austin said the enthusiasm of the younger competitors had made him work harder.

“There’s always plenty of challengers waiting to knock you off your throne when you have been around for a while - the younger swimmers keep me on my toes and also allow me to show leadership.”

He believed the team would finish higher than Athens - where they were ranked fifth overall.

“I think we'll improve upon Athens, we are climbing up the ladder,” he said.

The team includes 18 new faces who will make their Paralympic debut at the September 6-17 Games.

Head coach Brendan Keogh said the team has what it takes to maintain Australia’s reputation as a powerhouse in paralympic swimming.

Cowdrey, a single arm amputee who won three gold medals at the Athens Games in 2004, has a simple philosophy going into Beijing.

“I have got to go over and do pretty much what I do every meet - which is swim as fast as I can,” the 20-year-old told said.

The team also includes freestyle champion Alex Hadley, Daniel Bell and Marayke Jonkers, will all be competing at their third Games.

Keogh said the team was working towards a top five finish in a field of more than 54 nations.

“The team is looking fantastic they are in great shape,” he said.

Keogh said the more experienced swimmers like Austin, Jonkers and Bell had been a great influence on the new-comers.

“The experienced are good leaders and the youth are excited and keen to learn which is a fantastic combination.”