By ADAM LAZZARI WISBECH swimmer Liam Knight has been ranked first 100m and 200m backstroke swimmer in Great Britain for his age. Knight recorded the top times for a 15-year-old at the British Gas Swimming Championships at Ponds Forge, Sheffield. The even

By ADAM LAZZARI

WISBECH swimmer Liam Knight has been ranked first 100m and 200m backstroke swimmer in Great Britain for his age.

Knight recorded the top times for a 15-year-old at the British Gas Swimming Championships at Ponds Forge, Sheffield.

The event was used as a qualifier for senior swimmers to the Commonwealth Games in India in October and world champion Liam Tancock and Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington were amongst those who competed.

Knight was also ranked fourth for his age in Great Britain for the 200m and 400m individual medley.

His father Ian Knight said: "Liam is really getting noticed now by the top GB coaches and his performances in Sheffield will have done a great towards his ambition of becoming an Olympic swimmer.

"2012 is too early for him but he's hoping to make it to the 2016 Olympics.

"Liam is doing everything he can to make sure that happens.

"He is training for 18 hours a week, and is in the pool at 5.30am three days a week."

This was Knight's first experience on a world class stage.

He was seeded 32nd for all the age groups in the 200m backstroke and finished 24th.

He was seeded 37th in the 100m backstroke and finished 25th, started

Knight beat his seeding by six places to finish 32nd in the 400m individual medley and by five places to finish 33rd in the 200m individual medley.

Ian Knight said: "Liam came away with a lot of valuable experience that will stand him in good stead for the future.

"He even spoke to Liam Tancock in the warm down. These superstars are all really nice guys and he gave Liam some great words of encouragement and advice.