LIAM Tancock knows the hard work towards realising his dream of winning a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics starts this year.

The 24-year-old is still riding on the crest of a wave after following up his decent showing at the 2008 Beijing Olympics by clinching World Championship gold in the 50m backstroke in Rome last year and reclaiming the world record in the process.

But perhaps more importantly Tancock rounded off 2009 by finishing third behind Americans Matt Grevers and Aaron Peirsol in the Duel in the Pool 100m backstroke — a timely reminder that there is still room for improvement over the longer, Olympic, distance.

Tancock said: "The plan is to get better every single year and that's what I train to do.

"Last year was a pinnacle for me — becoming world champion and getting a world record.

"It's a stepping stone. The training's very important and that's what I've got to do to achieve the major things in the major competitions."

Tancock's next chances to do just that come in the European Championships in August and the Commonwealth Games in October.

In Budapest and New Delhi respectively, Tancock will have the opportunity to show the world he can not only cope with the new swimsuit regulations, but become a dominant force over 100m.

Tancock said: "The Olympics are always in the back of your mind. Hopefully I'll be there, I'll be fit and ready to go."