After two consecutive silver medals at the national championships, the 26-year-old from Woolston is keen to ensure the third time will be the charm.
Late last year, Swainson was also named on the list of potential athletes for the Tokyo Olympics in July and August.
Swainson admits his Olympic goal is still a long-shot - but being on the list and his desire to win a national title motivated him to keep training hard over the holiday period.
"The training for me is fun - I enjoy it,” the under-81kg elite boxer said.
"It makes me a better boxer.
"Whether I’m training by myself in the gym or looking at YouTube videos on how to improve my technique, then it is all positive for me.
"Knowing I was that close to the Olympics kept the fire burning for me,” he said.
"That’s a once-in-a-lifetime type of achievement.”
Swainson first started boxing when he was 12 but only returned to the sport competitively eight years ago.
"I’ve always enjoyed the sport and competing but I always want to get better,” he said.
"I do think about winning a national title a lot and that’s a big goal for me this year.
"Hopefully I will have the opportunity to fight overseas more and represent my country.”
He said the Olympic dream could still be burning in four years time.
"I’ll only be 30 so if I’m still in good shape and active then you never know.”
Woolston coach Holly Sullivan praised Swainson’s work ethic, saying he sets an example for young boxers to look up to if they want to reach the same level of success.
