EXETER swimmer Liam Tancock admitted he will be looking forward and not back this year as he bids to maintain his status as one of the world's best backstroke swimmers.

It was third time lucky for the 24-year-old at last summer's World Championships in Rome as he finally claimed global gold, topping the podium in the 50m backstroke in a world record time of 24.04 seconds.

Tancock has already got 2010 off to a winning start, claiming victories in the 50m and 100m backstroke and the 50m freestyle at the BUCS Championships in Sheffield last weekend.

The Exeter flyer will attempt to add to that at this weekend's British Gas Duel in the Pool as Britain prepare to take on Germany head-to-head in Swansea.

But Tancock — who spent three weeks training in Florida last month — admitted he won't be holding on to what he achieved in 2009 ahead of his first international meet of the year.

"I don't think what I achieved in Rome has changed me one bit. As a swimmer I am always looking forward rather than back," said Tancock.

"It doesn't matter to me what I did last week, last month or last year because I am just worrying about what I have got ahead of me this year.

"It is going to be a potentially very busy year with the Commonwealth Games and European Championships but I have formed a good plan with my coach about how to deal with it all.

"The winter has all gone really well for me. Going to Florida was really beneficial and I have just been putting a lot of hours in which will continue despite the Duel coming up.

"But that doesn't take anything away from the event — it is great to have international competition so early in the year and it is great that it is on home soil."

Tancock was part of the European team that took on America at the inaugural Duel in December, finishing third in the 100m backstroke while also taking part in the 4x100m medley relay.

But he admits the British Championships and Commonwealth Trials — which begin on March 29 — remain at the top of his list of priorities in the coming weeks.

However, after slumping to a 185-78 defeat against the USA in Manchester, Tancock has vowed to do everything within his power to lead Great Britain to victory over Germany.

"The Duel in the Pool was a great event last time and I can't wait to get out there and do it all again," he added.

The nation's leading energy supplier British Gas is the principle partner of British Swimming, and have pledged £15m to support the sport at all levels. British Gas are committed to swimming in Britain, from paddling pool to podium. For more information visit www.britishgas.co.uk/swimming.