BACKSTROKE star Liam Knight said it was an honour to represent Great Britain after a mixed week of results at the European Junior Swimming Championships.

The 17-year-old Wisbech ace failed to qualify for the semi-finals in his best event, the 200m backstroke, but produced an impressive performance in the 100m.

He also powered to a personal best of 26.86secs in the 50m to qualify for the semi-finals, where he clocked 26.88secs.

Knight said: “I wasn’t very pleased with my 200m at all. I went out too quick and struggled on the way back.

“I also had a 6ft 7in Italian beside me who was kicking waves at me! It was just one of those races that didn’t go according to plan.

“I have learnt so much from the competition and it will make me a better swimmer.”

Knight spent nine days in Antwerp, Belgium, for the championships.

“It was an amazing experience,” he said. “The crowd was absolutely amazing and on the second night they started doing a Mexican Wave.

“It was just brilliant to be there representing Great Britain. I can’t really put it into words how good it was.”

Knight will compete in the British Gas ASA National Youth Championships in Sheffield next week.