Two-time Olympian Liam Tancock has announced his retirement from swimming after more than a decade at the top of the sport.
British record holder Tancock is one of Great Britain’s most
successful male swimmers who has won medals at World, European and Commonwealth
level.
The Devonian, who has competed for Great Britain for over a decade, broke through with 50m Backstroke bronze on his senior debut at the 2005 World Championships in Montreal.
While he won 100m Backstroke gold at the 2006 and 2010 Commonwealth Games, Tancock's greatest achievements have come in 50m.
He won the World Championship title for the first time at the Rome World Championships in 2009, setting a world record in the process, then defended his crown in Shanghai two years later.
“My plan was to always to retire from swimming at the end of 2016. It’s been an incredible journey and a part of my life that I will remember forever,” Tancock explained. "Over the past 18 months I've been working on a new business venture and along with a strong team I'm looking forward to giving it my full attention.
“I have loved the thrill of racing at the highest level, and that’s what really gave me a buzz. Standing on the podium and hearing the national anthem was always a highlight.
“I vividly remember winning my first World medal in Montreal 2005. Then two years after picking up a couple of medals in Melbourne 2007. But the real highlight was breaking the world record on the way to becoming World Champion in Rome 2009, and then retaining that title two years later in Shanghai 2011.
“I really believe in giving back to the sport that has given me so much and I have been and will continue visiting swimming clubs to inspire the next generation of swimmers. I want all of those young swimmers to enjoy the sport as much as I have.”
Tancock competed at both the Beijing and London Olympic Games and was a member of the 4x100m Medley relay team that finished fourth at the home Games.
He underlined his longevity with bronze medals over 50m and 100m Backstroke at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games - his eighth and ninth Commonwealth medals for Team England.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have had some great coaches and mentors throughout my career,” said Tancock. “Starting my early years with Jon Randall at Exeter City SC, then 10 years with Ben Titley in Loughborough and finishing with my former team mate and World champion, James Gibson.
“Individually they have taught me a lot, not just about swimming, but also things that I will take with me in to the future.
“There are so many people that have shaped my journey and influenced my career. None less than my family and friends who truly have been incredible. They have spent so much of their time nurturing and supporting me and have enabled me to achieve my dreams.”
Reflecting on his career, National Performance Director for British Swimming Chris Spice said: “Liam has been an outstanding competitor and ambassador for our sport over a number of years.
“His dedication and commitment has meant he has had a long and productive career in international swimming. From all of us at British Swimming we wish him well in his future endeavours.”