Wisbech star Liam Knight swims to first British title at National Youth Championships
TEENAGE swimming star Liam Knight produced a magical performance at the National Youth Championships to bag his first British title.
The 16-year-old, from Wisbech, took gold in the 200m backstroke - finishing more than two seconds ahead of his nearest rival to become British champion for his age group.
Knight’s stunning time of 2.03:53 means he qualifies for an England talent programme and could swim in the European Youth Championships next year.
“It means the world to me,” said Knight, who also took bronze in the 100m backstroke during a sensational week of swimming in Sheffield. “I have worked so hard and it’s starting to pay off.
“It hasn’t really sunk in yet but there’s a DVD that I’m going to watch back.
“I was so nervous before the races. My coach told me to relax and be myself and so I just went out there and did my thing.
“Lots of my friends were watching the races on the internet and my aunty and uncle were watching online from Canada.
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“Everyone has said how proud they are and my friends are gobsmacked. I can’t put it into words what it feels like to be a British champion.
“I’m going to take two weeks out now and after that I’ll be back in the gym and training - swimming never stops.
“I might be in the pool but I’ll be on the lilo.”
