SWIMMING: Essex lad James Gibson has set his sights on Olympic glory after ending Britain's 28-year wait for gold in the World Championships.The Loughborough University student from Witham beat world record-holder Oleg Lisogor to win the men's 50 metre breaststroke in Barcelona.

SWIMMING: Essex lad James Gibson has set his sights on Olympic glory after ending Britain's 28-year wait for gold in the World Championships.

The Loughborough University student from Witham beat world record-holder Oleg Lisogor to win the men's 50 metre breaststroke in Barcelona.

The gold was his second medal of the meet, following a bronze in the 100m breaststroke, and it took Britain's medal tally to three in the first four days.

However, it is only the 100m version which is held in the Olympics, so Gibson will be concentrating hard on improving on his performance in the longer race rather than concentrating on the event at which he is now world champion.

He had qualified fastest for the final thanks to a new British and Commonwealth record in the semi-final. His time of 27.46 seconds bettered his own previous standard of 27.51.

The final was not as fast but Gibson came through to take the honours in 27.56. Lisogor won silver in 27.74 and Mihaly Flaskay of Hungary was third with 27.79.

Gibson's compatriot Darren Mew was sixth in 27.98.

“It's been a huge effort,” said Gibson. “There has been so much support from so many people on the team but especially my coach Ben Titley.

“I had a good start, kept my rhythm and came through at the end. I have learned how to swim the 50m event under pressure and I was relaxed as I went into the race. The feelings I have now are just amazing.

“I have expected a lot of myself this year. I have moved away from the shorter distance to concentrate on the 100m Olympic event. The 50m is my fun competition now.

“Next year is the big one for me. I aim to go to the Olympics in Athens looking for the same result but in the 100m event.”