CHRIS Walker-Hebborn failed to make the semi-finals of the 100m backstroke as he got his first taste of Olympic action at London 2012 – but he is adamant lightning won’t strike twice second time out.

The 22-year-old officially made his Olympic debut on Sunday morning however he couldn’t mark it by booking a swim in the evening despite finishing third in his 100m backstroke heat.

Walker-Hebborn clocked a time of 54.78 seconds good enough for just 20th overall – four places and almost half a second away from the reaching the semi-finals.

However with his main event, the 200m backstroke starting on Wednesday, Walker-Hebborn is in no doubt that he will reach the latter stages when he next takes to the pool.

“I went into the 100m knowing it’s not my strongest event, and it was going to be tough to make a final,” he said. “I’ve been feeling great all week and of course I’m here primarily for the 200m.

“It’s given me a great taste of what to expect going forward. Coming out and having the crowd cheer like they did – I have never experienced anything like it.

“A mate of mine Tweeted the other day saying it was the stuff of fairy tales and I think that’s a great way of putting it – it was amazing.”

Walker-Hebborn needed the second Olympic trials in June to book swims in the 100m and 200m backstroke events and he admitted he couldn’t have given any more in first outing in London.

“It wasn’t bad overall. It was very tough, and very hard, but I felt good for the first 50m. After that though it felt like I was just throwing caravans for the last 35m,” he added.

“I can’t complain though because it was a solid morning swim. Anything can happen from now on so I’ll just take it from here.”

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