SWIMMING: Tancock has Rio aim

By Paul Smith, Sportsbeat 

SWIMMER Liam Tancock has no intention of following the lead of Rebecca Adlington and Gemma Spofforth in ruling himself out of contention for Rio 2016.

Spofforth has retired from the sport at the age of 24 following a fifth-placed finish in the 100m backstroke at London 2012.

Tancock matched that performance in the men's event, and will be 31 by the time the Rio Olympics begin.

Adlington, who won two golds in Beijing and two bronze medals in London, has ruled out appearing in Brazil citing her age as the main reason. She will be 27, Tancock's age now.

But having missed out on a medal in London, and also four year's previously in Beijing, Exeter-born Tancock revealed his desire to compete at the top level remains.

"I look at it as four more years time, it's a lot of hard work, hard training, dedication and commitment, but I love the sport," he said.

"I want to succeed and I want to push my body to the limit. I'm not looking any further than Rio, I think that will be my last meet, but I'm going to give everything to get there.

"If I break it down into the years before it's going to be the World Championships next year in Barcelona, then we have got the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014 - so another home Games for everyone.

"It should be another amazing experience and there are a few great things to look forward to.

"I am excited and looking forward to the future."

The 2012 Gillette ‘Great Starts' campaign celebrates community coaches and inspires the next generation of coaches by providing them with grants to fund their next level qualifications.

(c) Sportsbeat 2012