Silver for Tom at Paralympics

Former Burnley Bobcats swimmer Tom Hamer claimed silver in the 200m freestyle S14 in Rio on his Paralympics debut.
Paralympic GB's Tom Hamer during a media session at the London Aquatics Centre, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday August 29, 2016. See PA story PARALYMPICS Swimming. Photo credit should read: John Walton/PA Wire.Paralympic GB's Tom Hamer during a media session at the London Aquatics Centre, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday August 29, 2016. See PA story PARALYMPICS Swimming. Photo credit should read: John Walton/PA Wire.
Paralympic GB's Tom Hamer during a media session at the London Aquatics Centre, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday August 29, 2016. See PA story PARALYMPICS Swimming. Photo credit should read: John Walton/PA Wire.

And the 18-year-old is hoping to go one better in Tokyo in 2020.

The European champion, from Rawtenstall, set a new Paralympic record in the heats, touching home in 1:57.31, although that time was bettered by Australia’s Daniel Fox in the second heat in 1:57.19.

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Hamer beat Fox into third in the final, but Hong Kong’s Tang Wai Lok took gold in another new Paralympic best time of 1:56.32.

Hamer said: “I’m really happy with that. I came in here to win it so I’m happy but disappointed.

“I just thought I would get it but the swimmer came out of nowhere.

“I’m in the best shape of my life so far, I’m only 18, I’ve got a couple more years to come and hopefully going forward my rivals won’t be anywhere near me.

“I’ve got a lot more in the tank. I’m not sure what happened.

“It’s fingertips away from gold. I’m going to keep working hard, I want to win.”

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