• London 2012 - Swimming

Tancock & Spofforth fail to deliver medals

Gemma Spofforth was fifth in the 100m backstroke © Getty Images

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• Profile: Liam Tancock

There was disappointment for Great Britain in the pool on Monday as both Gemma Spofforth and Liam Tancock finished outside the medals in their finals.

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Tancock was never in the men's 100m backstroke reckoning, ending up fifth as Matthew Grevers of the USA triumphed in an Olympic record time of 52.16 seconds.

"I went out there, gave everything," Tancock told the BBC. "It didn't quite come off, but Rio's in four years [the next Olympics], right? I just love what I do. I've got so many more supporters now."

Spofforth, the world record holder and former world champion, could only manage fifth in the 100m backstroke, with American sensation Missy Franklin snatching gold. Spofforth touched sixth at halfway and looked to be coming on strongly over the final 50m, but faded at the finish.

"It's the journey and not the destination," Spofforth, who has suffered personal tragedies in recent years, said. "My journey's been an up-and-down one. Everything happens for a reason, but I've really enjoyed this year. I've been at rock bottom, but it's nice to find a passion and really enjoy something. This is just a speedbump in the road."

Robbie Renwick placed sixth in the men's 200m freestyle, with France's Yannick Agnel the runaway victor and Ryan Lochte of the USA fourth.

Hannah Miley booked her place in the final of the 200m individual medley, where she will be hoping to improve on her fifth-place finish in the 400m IM final. Ye Shiwen, winner of that 400m IM, set an Olympic record in the second semi.

Caitlin McClatchey qualified sixth-fastest for the final of the 200m freestyle. "I have had a really tough two years and thought about quitting but I am really enjoying it now," McClatchey said.

Ruta Meilutyte, 15, earned Lithuania's first Olympic medal in the pool when she took gold in the 100m breaststroke.

Michael Phelps hinted at a return to top form by winning his 200m fly semi-final.

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