PENARTH'S Ieuan Lloyd has booked his place at the London 2012 Olympics after a brilliant performance at the British Gas Swimming Championships on Monday evening.

Ieuan, 18, joins other Vale sporting stars sailor Hannah Mills and boxer Andrew Selby as Welsh Olympians.

Ieuan claimed silver in the 200m freestyle behind Robbie Renwick.

Although his 1:47.68 time was outside the Olympic qualifying standard – meaning his sights will refocus on June’s second chance trials where he will also try and claim the remaining 400m spot - the Penarth teenager's performance means he has qualified for the 4x200m relay event and is guaranteed a place in London this summer.

The former Stanwell pupil said: "I’m over the moon. To think that I’ve made the team and I’ll be going to the Olympics is such a great feeling!

“I made a good time in the semi and I was quite relaxed, thinking that if I could put in the same performance again I could make it.

“When I walked out to poolside and they called my name it was an unbelievable feeling. The nerves kicked in a bit.

“On that last length I could see people around me and I gave it everything – my legs were burning," he added.

“Then I turned around and saw I didn’t make the individual qualifying time. My dad had been telling me before the race that I had to come in the top four for a relay place but I wasn’t sure – so I’m glad he was right!

“It’s been such an amazing experience this week," said Ieuan.

"I’ve still got the 200m individual medley to come and I’ll be watching the rest of the Welsh swimmers, including my mate David Davies.

“It’ll be back to training then next week.”

For the Olympics, a maximum of two swimmers can compete per nation in any one event.