Loughborough College swimming sensation Liam Tancock continued his preparations for the London 2012 Olympic Games by successfully defending his 50m backstroke world title in Shanghai this weekend. The 26-year-old native Devonian is one of two College students to hold a world title – Sarah Stevenson clinched her third Taekwondo title in the 67kg category earlier this year – after swimming to victory at the World Championships.

Tancock’s gold was the third for Team GB at the championships as he clinched victory in 24.50s ahead of French rival Camille Lacourt. He said: “I knew it was good, it felt pretty good. You know when you are having a good race but you’ve seen those guys on the podium next to me.

“They are about a foot taller and have a lot longer arms so you never quite know what they are going to do.

“But I felt I had a great start. I knew I had to take the race to them if I wanted to win. It was my time and it’s special.”

Tancock missed out on a medal in the 100m event earlier in the tournament, finishing in sixth place in the final. But with just under one year until London 2012 he is optimistic, saying: “I’m really pleased with that. I came in eight position into the final against seven other world class guys in a World Championships final and it is pretty special to be involved.

“To move up two places and get involved in some fast swimming is what I live for – I love it.”

To keep up to date with Liam Tancock in the run up to 2012, visit his official website at www.liamtancock.com.

Story Courtesy of Loughborough College