ALAN QUICK: Crediton Courier

PUPILS at Hayward's Primary School in Crediton were treated to a surprise visitor, the world record holder for the 50-metre backstroke (long course), Liam Tancock, when he went to the school to speak in an assembly this week.

Liam (30) and from Exeter, took along two of his gold medals from the World Championships and his London 2012 Olympic torch.

PE teacher Dave Bamber explained: "Liam talked about his motivation to succeed.

"He made the pupils laugh by joking about his desire to be in the Guinness World Record book, and if he did not get in for swimming then he was going to do it by growing his nails for 30 years!

"After the assembly the Shining Bright pupils met Liam and they asked him some brilliant questions. "Joe Douglas asked about tips to improve his backstroke technique while Hannah Brett asked about ways to qualify for the Olympics."

Dave added that the pupils were genuinely motivated by Liam's visit.

"They have been talking about it for days, and maybe Liam has just inspired a new Olympic Champion!"

One of those Liam met during his visit was his nephew, Oscar Tancock (5).

Immediately after the school visit, Liam, his family, some friends and Oscar attended a ceremony in Exeter hosted by the Lord Mayor of Exeter.

Liam was given the Freedom of the City at the ceremony held at Exeter Guildhall.

Liam is the most successful British male swimmer for a decade having won four medals at four consecutive FINA World Championships.

He competed in the Beijing Olympics and in London 2012 for Team Britain, taking fifth in the 100 metre backstroke and fourth as part of the 4x100m Medley Relay quartet. He has many more international swimming accolades including Commonwealth titles and World Championships and he still holds the 50m long course World Record.

Alan Quick