DEVON'S TANCOCK ON TOP THE WORLD
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- Created on Sunday, 31 July 2011 23:14
- Published on Sunday, 31 July 2011 23:14
Liam Tancock defended his 50m backstroke world title to collect a third gold medal for the British Gas GBR Swim Team on the final day of the 2011 FINA World Championships in Shanghai.
Having qualified fastest for the final, the world record holder from Exeter dominated from the gun before touching in 24.50 – the fourth fastest time of his career and his quickest for two years.
France’s 100m backstroke champion Camille Lacourt (24.57) and South Africa’s 2007 champion Gerhard Zandberg (24.66) won silver and bronze respectively but neither could catch the Brit after his fast start and a finish timed to perfection.
Tancock’s victory was his fifth medal in his fourth world championships, having won bronze for the 50m backstroke in 2005 and 2007, 100m backstroke bronze in 2007 as well as his first 50m backstroke title in Rome two years ago.
“It was amazing out there,” said Tancock. “These world championships have been fantastic.”
“I was world champion in 2009 so I was defending that title tonight.
“When I made it to the final I thought there’s eight of us, anyone could win from any lane but I thought if they want to beat me they’ve got to come and get me.
“I did everything needed to do, get in there, do a good start and take the race to them. I did and it was gold and a world championship medal again.
“I’m on top of the world.”
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