“Then when we went to the World Series I felt a little bit like everyone was watching us and expecting a bit more of us.
“Before I felt like we were almost underdogs who were doing really well but didn’t have as much expectation on us.”
Laugher continues: “We are new people – we hold our heads high now.
“Competing for the first time was daunting, but as soon as we did our first dive we were completely in the zone and knew exactly what we were doing.
“If anything it’s actually been positive for us.”
As if coming to terms with their new Olympic champions status wasn’t enough, the pair have also had to readjust to life under a new coach after their long-term mentor Adrian Hinchcliffe was not offered a full-time time role by British Diving and quit to take up a position as Diving Australia’s head coach earlier this year.
A furious Laugher called British Diving’s decision “an insult”, but the duo have enjoyed success under new coach Adam Smallwood, picking up silver medals at three of the four World Series events this season, behind the victorious Chinese pair on each occasion.
Besides Mears, Laugher says he is also reaping the benefits of another person in his life – fellow British diver Lois Toulson, who came close to a medal at Rio last summer and started a relationship with Laugher at the start of this year.
“It’s so nice having someone who you share the same passion with,” says Laugher.
“I’m 22 now – I’ve been in relationships in the past and people don’t really understand it and don’t understand when I come home so annoyed that a session has gone badly or whatever.
“But having someone who can be there by my side through good competitions and bad competitions – someone who I can share my thoughts and feelings with – is perfect.
“Having Chris here and Lois as well means I’m so stable now. I have two people who know me so well.”