China's Ye Shiwen swims in the women's 200m individual medley semifinal during the World Swimming Championships at the Sant Jordi arena in Barcelona, July 28, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

Ye explained she had followed the instructions of coach, Xu Guoyi in the two qualifying rounds and had swum the times he had instructed her to attend to, but that she had been unable to keep up the pace in the final.

"I am someone who relies on their feelings before I race and on this occasion I felt bad and I was unable to sleep before the race," she said, admitting her success in the London Olympic Games meant she had to live with a lot more pressure.

Her coach explained that the youngster had suffered in the wake of London and at one stage had gained 5 kilos in weight, although Xu Guoyi was at pains to insist he had been working hard and training well in the run in to the World Championships.

He believed the problem had been more psychological than anything. "She is quite an extreme person and the nerves got to her. I am sure she would have on if she had been in her normal form" he explained.

Ye also received support from gold medal winner Hosszu, who said she had suffered from a loss of form herself after winning two World Championship medals in 2009 and European titles in 2010.

"I was really surprised Ye Shiwen wasn't there on the podium, but I am sure she will be again in the future. It's really hard to get back after the Olympics and a similar thing happened to me," said Hosszu after the race.

Hungary's Katinka Hosszu (R) celebrates after winning the women's 200m individual medley final next to Australia's Alicia Coutts, who finished second, during the World Swimming Championships at the Sant Jordi arena in Barcelona, July 29, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]