5:28pm Tuesday 22nd July 2008
By James Beal
A TEENAGE sporting sensation from Burnham will be joining Britain's medal hopefuls on the plane to the Beijing Olympics next month.
Liam Phillips, 19, sped to success at the BMX trials in Switzerland last week, blitzing his nearest rivals to grab a spot in Team GB's cycling squad.
Proud Liam, who lives in Burnham's Rectory Road, fought to gain the only male BMX spot in the cycling team, and now will have the honour of representing his sport during its Olympic debut this August.
The delighted rider told the Weekly News: "It just started to sink in as I came back and picked up my Olympic kit on Thursday.
"Anything can happen, but I'm going there for experience - I will be the youngest competing.
"I'm ecstatic to be going out with the strongest Olympic team we have ever had."
Liam's place on the team was confirmed after Tuesday's BMX action in Aigle, Switzerland.
The youngster won the first two time trials of the night to secure his seat on the plane to Beijing for the Games, which start on August 8.
His success came after another Olympic trial in Switzerland had to be abandoned earlier this month when one of his rivals suffered concussion following a crash.
Liam, who trains twice a day, six times a week to maintain his elite performance, also indicated his wish to further his rising star at future Olympics.
He added: "To me, the last three or four years have been geared towards the London Olympics in 2012, but I can't wait for Beijing."
Liam joins swimmer Anthony Stephens from Highbridge, who has qualified for the Paralympic Games.
Follow Liam's progress in Beijing by buying your Weekly News and logging on to our website, burnhamandhighbridgeweeklynews.co.uk.
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