Tancock eager to prove himself in duel against Germany

By Tom Reynolds, Sportsbeat

LIAM Tancock is bidding to maintain his status as one of the world's best backstroke swimmers as he competes for Great Britain against Germany at the British Gas Duel in the Pool this weekend in Swansea.

WORLD CHAMPION: Liam Tancock hopes to build on his 2009 success which saw him win
50m gold at the World Championships in Rome (Getty Images)

It was third time lucky for the 24-year-old at last summer's World Championships in Rome as he finally claimed global gold, topping the podium in the 50m backstroke in a world record time of 24.04 seconds.

Tancock has already got 2010 off to a winning start, claiming victories in the 50m and 100m backstroke and the 50m freestyle at the BUCS Championships in Sheffield last weekend.

But Tancock - who spent three weeks training in Florida last month  - admitted he won't be holding on to what he achieved in 2009 ahead of his first international meet of the year.

"I don't think what I achieved in Rome has changed me one bit. As a swimmer I am always looking forward rather than back," he said.

"It doesn't matter to me what I did last week, last month or last year because I am just worrying about what I have got ahead of me this year.

"It is going to be a potential very busy year with the Commonwealth Games and European Championships but I have formed a good plan with my coach about how to deal with it all.

"The winter has all gone really well for me.  Going to Florida was really beneficial and I have just been putting a lot of hours in which will continue despite the Duel coming up.

"But that doesn't take anything away from the event - it is great to have international competition so early n the year and it is great that it is on home soil."

Tancock was part of the European team that took on America at the inaugural Duel in December, finishing third in the 100m backstroke while also taking part in the 4x100m medley relay.

And he is the first to admit that the British Championships and Commonwealth Trials - which begin on March 29 - remain at the top of his list of priorities in the coming weeks.

However, after slumping to a 185-78 defeat against the USA in Manchester two months ago Tancock has vowed to do everything within his power to lead Great Britain to victory over Germany.

"The Duel in the Pool was a great event last time and I can't wait to get out there and do it all again," he added.

"It's a great format with it being almost straight finals and the plan is just to go out there and give it to them. Hopefully that will be enough for Great Britain to come out on top.

"The Germans have got some fantastic swimmers and it is going to be tough, but I think both teams will be going into it with a similar level of training so it should be close."