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Sheffield's standing on the world stage boosted by record-breaking swimmer
The record-breaking exploits of swimmer Liam Tancock have once again thrust Sheffield into the spotlight of sporting excellence.
When the Olympic hopeful finished his 50m-backstroke heat in 24.47 seconds at the British Swimming Championships at Ponds Forge, he shattered the previous record by more than half a second and further enhanced Sheffield's reputation for sporting, and in particular swimming excellence.
It also reinforced the Sheffield International Venues' managed sports centre's reputation as one of the fastest pools in world swimming.
It is the second time that a long course world record has fallen at Ponds Forge after Hungarian Karoly Guttler set a new world mark in the 100m Breast stroke at the European Championships in 1993.
Gary Clifton, manager of Sheffield City Council's Major Sports Events Unit (MSEU), said: "Liam's achievement is fantastic. To break a world record in a 50m race by more than half a second is remarkable and bodes extremely well for our Olympic hopes.
"Ponds Forge has a big reputation as a top venue with one of the fastest competition pools in international swimming and, significantly for Sheffield, it further demonstrates the city's ability to host top class sporting events and impact on the sport across the world."
The finals of the British Swimming Championships take place at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre on Sunday April 6 from 10am.
