Tancock storms to 100m backstroke gold

Posted: Tuesday 17th March 2009 | 19:25

LIAM Tancock has claimed 100m backstroke gold at the British Gas national championships - breaking his British record in the process.

Tancock takes 100m backstroke gold
BACK TO BEST: Liam Tancock eases to 100m backstroke victory in Sheffield

The Lougborough University student set a new personal best, coming home in 53.20 seconds, more than a second ahead of 19-year-old Marco Loughran who took silver.

"Even though I had a bad back I had to race, there was no question that I wouldn't. You have to put these little things behind you," he said.

"These things happen at times you have just got to get on with it and race. I have forgotten about it and I have gone out and set a new British record so I don't think I could have asked for more.

"I am highly trained athlete. you have to put injuries and little niggles behind you.

"In 2006 I stepped off a curb and hurt my back but I got over it - racing is my job I have come to Sheffield to perform and I pleased with how it has gone."

Despite the new national best Tancock was far from delighted with his swim, and revealed he will go home and study the race, as he looks to better the 100m backstroke bronze he claimed at the 2007 World Championships.

"I will get some feedback, view the video analysis and take it from there in regards to the Worlds," added Tancock, who set a world record in the 50m backstroke at last year's championships.

"I am going quick and that is what I wanted to do. I have great support staff and they have really helped me along the way. I can go away and analyse my performance from here because there is still room for improvement."

Elsewhere, Ellen Gandy also set a new British record in the women's 100m butterfly, powering to victory in 57.49 secs.

"I'm just so happy," said Gandy. "I've been working so hard in training recently and things are really good for me in my life and this is proof that it's paying off in my swimming."

In the men's 200m butterfly, Michael Rock successfully defended his crown, clocking 1:55.68m - seeing off nearest rival Joseph Roebuck by almost two seconds.

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