Wisbech swimmer Knight says watching friends shine at Commonwealth Games has fuelled his Olympic dream

Wisbech swimmer Liam Knight says watching his friends shine at the Commonwealth Games has given him all the motivation he needs to train harder than ever ... once he recovers from his injured shoulder.

The 19 year-old has been sidelined for the past three months after tearing a muscle in his shoulder in the gym but he hopes to return to the pool next week.

Knight said: “I was supposed to take part in the National Championships last week but I tore a muscle in my shoulder. It could not happen at a worse time but I’m hoping to get back in the pool next week.

“Being injured has given me the chance to step back and get some perspective.”

Knight, who doesn’t turn 20 until the end of the month, is ranked in the UK’s top ten for the 50m backstroke (7th, 25.95 long course), 100m backstroke (8th, 55.41) and 200m backstroke (6th, 2.00.50).

He said he was “inspired” by watching his friends Ben Proud, Adam Peaty and Ross Murdoch at the Glasgow games, although he felt he should have been there with them.

He said: “The Commonwealth Games inspired me. There were a lot of my mates there and it was great to see them swimming so well but I should have been there.

“Watching them has motivated me to train as hard as I can so that I can fulfil my dream and compete in the next Olympics.”