McSweyn is back for more

The King Islander, who will use the Tasmanian Christmas Carnival Series as part of his preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, praised the move from New Year's Day to New Year's Eve.

"I think it's a good idea,'' he said.

"I think it will be a good way to bring in the New Year both for the athletes and the fans."

McSweyn, who rated the buzz before and during the races "like no other competition in Australia", believed that positive atmosphere and sense of excitement would only increase with a December 31 event, and said the series as a whole would provide important preparation for what was to come in 2020.

"The carnivals have definitely played a significant role for me improving as an athlete and kick starting my athletics campaigns each year,'' he said.

"Overall, I don't think there is any better place to test your early season fitness levels than at the carnival series.

"I think now that I have been in a world final at international level, the goal definitely is to take it to another level performance-wise and be able to be in the mix and compete for a medals next year.

"However, I will be focusing on improving on what I was able to achieve in the 2019 season."

The 24-year-old, who became just the fourth man to win the prestigious Burnie Mile off scratch earlier this year, has already set his sights on doubling up.

"I'm definitely looking forward to the challenge,'' he said.

"I love racing the carnivals and would love to try and break the four-minute barrier this year if the weather is on our side."

The crowd favourite self-proclaimed 'Mayor of King Island', has been a series regular in recent times.

He's won and come second at Devonport and Burnie in the miles, and admitted he was keen to win both in the one series, most likely off the "toughest and most honourable handicap".

"I will definitely be giving it my best shot, but no carnival race is easy, especially with the increasing calibre of both state and national athletes the carnivals are attracting,'' he said.

Fresh from his second world championship campaign in Doha, McSweyn will travel to the series with training partner Lachlan Barber, who will also race at Devonport and Burnie.

The 2016 junior world championship semi-finalist over 800m will contest both the mile races with McSweyn, plus the 800m on day two at the Devonport Carnival.