LIVERPOOL, Great Britain, January 14. CURRENT British Butterfly record holder Michael Rock has retired from competitive international swimming.<\/p>\n
Over the last six years the Liverpool-born swimmer has been one of Great Britain\u2019s most consistent Butterfly swimmers, winning the 100m title at every British Championships since 2008.<\/p>\n
“I’ve had a fantastic time and am proud to have represented my country” – Michael Rock The 26-year old will still be involved with the City of Liverpool Swimming Club, helping to mentor and develop younger swimmers but will no longer take part in individual international competitions.<\/p>\n
After competing at a junior level, Rock made his senior international long course debut at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, competing in both the 100m and 200m Butterfly. He went on to set the current British Records over both distances at the 2009 World Championships, before winning silver in the 200m Butterfly at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.<\/p>\n
In 2012 the former Stockport ITC swimmer qualified to compete in the 100m Butterfly at the London Olympics, and was part of the Men\u2019s 4 x 100 Medley Relay team that just missed out on securing a bronze medal.<\/p>\n
British Swimming\u2019s National Performance Director, Chris Spice, said: \u201cMichael has made an outstanding contribution to British swimming over the years. His commitment and dedication has led him to compete at two Olympic Games, three World Championships and a Commonwealth Games which is a great achievement.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn behalf of everyone at British Swimming I would like to wish Michael all the best for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
After retiring from competitive swimming, Rock will train to become a solicitor. He said: \u201cI’ve had a fantastic time in the sport of swimming and am proud to have represented my country at the very highest level, especially at two Olympic Games.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo many people have made a positive contribution to my success but in particular I would like to thank everyone from the City of Liverpool Swimming Club and Stockport Metro Swimming Club as both clubs have really supported me throughout my career and helped me to achieve my dreams.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough I will be focusing on the next exciting chapter of my life as a trainee solicitor, I will still be involved with swimming through a youth mentoring and development programme at the City of Liverpool SC which I\u2019m really looking forward to.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mike Roberts, City of Liverpool Swimming Club Head Coach, said: \u201cMichael used to swim at the City of Liverpool Swimming Club as a teenager and it has been great to have him back with us at the Club. He is an extremely motivated person and it has been an honour to coach him over the last 12 months.<\/p>\n
\u201cMichael is a fantastic role model for younger swimmers and we are really pleased that he will continue to be involved with the Club.\u201d<\/p>\n
The above article is a unedited press release submitted to Swimming World. To reach our audience, contact us at Newsmaster@swimmingworldmagazine.com.<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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