Schoenmaker, who bagged a silver in the women's 100 metres breaststroke in Tokyo, stunned the swimming world as she won the 200m breaststroke - South Africa’s only gold in Japan - in a world record time of 2min 18.95sec.

However, the swimmer from Pretoria admitted that expectations from Tokyo is not making life easy for her.

"There is that pressure and what you can do with it," Schoenmaker said, as reported by Sport24.

"I always say, no one can expect my best, but I know that I'll be giving them my best and they can't expect more of that.

"Unfortunately, and fortunately, if I'm the best on the day then I'm very lucky and then it's nice. Hopefully, South Africa will continue to support me and cheer for me no matter the outcome."

The 24-year-old has not raced at an international event since Tokyo.

She had to pull out of the World Short Course Championship in Abu Dhabi in December because of the travel restrictions imposed on South Africa after the Omicron variant.

The two-time Olympic medallist has been training at University of Pretoria under the guidance of coach Rocco Meiring and is working hard to be at her best in Birmingham.

"It's basically the same, we stick to the consistency," said Schoenmaker.

"Obviously, when you look back, I know I have to step it up so it is a bit nerve-wreaking because how can you step up when it went so well?

"But we find our ways, but I'm so excited for the season up ahead."

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is scheduled to take place from July 28 to August 8.