TWO-TIME world champion swimmer Liam Tancock has retired from the sport.

Great Britain’s Tancock (31), broke the world record to win 50m backstroke gold in Rome in 2009, and defended his crown in Shanghai two years later.

Liam, from Exeter and who has family in the Crediton area, also won golds at the 2006 and 2010 Commonwealth Games, and a bronze at Glasgow 2014, and represented Team GB at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.

"It’s been an incredible journey and a part of my life that I will remember forever," he said.

Liam has won the most individual world medals by any British swimmer in the history of the sport.

In May last year Liam spoke to pupils at Hayward’s Primary School in Crediton, taking along both of his gold medals from the World Championships and his London 2012 Olympic torch.

At the time, 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, then aged just five.

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.

Alan Quick