Commonwealth Games: Burnley swimmer takes silver

Burnley Bobcats swimmer Tom Hamer won silver in the Commonwealth Games Para-sport S14 200m freestyle in Glasgow on Saturday night - setting a new British record in the process.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Jul 2014, 10:01 BST
Tom HamerTom Hamer
Tom Hamer

Hamer produced a superb swim to touch home behind Australia’s Daniel Fox, who had created a new world record in qualifying of one minute 57.16 seconds.

In the final at Glasgow’s Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Fox finished in 1:57:68, just ahead of Hamer (2:00:27), with Wales’ Jack Thomas third (2:01.27).

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Hamer, from Rawtenstall, was thrilled with his performance: “I came in here ranked fourth, so I didn’t really expect a medal.

“I am really shocked.

“I’m well chuffed, I’m so happy with it.”

Only 15, Hamer’s new British record time beat that set by Dan Pepper of 2:01:27 in 2011, and he is now looking forward to competing for Great Britain at the IPC Swimming European Championships, which take place in the Netherlands from August 4-10th.

Earlier this year, Hamer, who is coached by Michael Robinson at Bobcats, claimed the gold medal in the 200m freestyle at theBritish Championships, and set an unofficial world record in the 200m freestyle at the National Short Course Championships at Ponds Forge in Sheffield.

The Alder Grange High School pupil has been swimming since the age of three, and after attending lessons at a local club, progressed to Burnley Aquatics before joining Burnley Bobcats.

Related topics:GlasgowBurnleyAustraliaWales