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Liam Tancock has no plans to slow down social life

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Liam Tancock has promised to keep his feet on the ground by using social networks to stay in touch with fans as he prepares for the London 2012 Olympics.

But the world 50metres backstroke champion, who successfully defended his title in Shanghai last month, has assured Team GB chiefs he will not stir up controversy with inappropriate comments on his Twitter account.

Footballer Joey Barton recently fell foul of the hierarchy at his club Newcastle United for a string of controversial tweets about the club.

And England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was reprimanded by the CIA this summer when he sparked a minor security alert by posting pictures of prohibited areas of the White House online following a visit to Washington.

Some Premier League bosses are banning their players from using social media, but 26-year-old Tancock does not see the need.

‘It’s all down to common sense. I can’t see any problem if you are careful,’ he said.

‘I love using Twitter to keep my fans informed and it’s great when I’m asked to repost a message wishing someone good luck at a forthcoming meeting and then hear it inspired them to a achieve a new personal best in the pool.

‘I’m just a normal bloke and it is flattering so many people [almost 9,000] want to follow me on Twitter.’

Tancock is the star of the Great Britain’s men’s team after his triumph in China, but insists next summer’s London Olympics did not cross his mind when he stepped on the podium to receive his gold medal.

‘All I was focused on was that particular moment and what I had just achieved,’ he continued.

‘I was so proud to have defended the world championship title I had won two years earlier and I wanted to savour that moment. Of course I’m looking forward to next year’s Olympics – it is going to be so special competing in front of our home fans – but the world championships is a big event as well.’

Tancock is just back from a couple of weeks’ holiday where the only swimming involved was a relaxing dip in the sea or the hotel pool.

Before jetting off, he added: ‘When I get back it will be down to more hard work and my focus will be on the Olympics.

‘I will be studying my performances in Shanghai to see where I can improve my technique. There is no such thing as the perfect swim.’

World champion Liam Tancock is a Speedo sponsored ambassador. For more information visit speedo.co.uk