JUBILANT Olympic swimmer Stephen Parry will return to Prestwich with a bronze medal after coming third in the men's 200m butterfly.

The 27-year-old, who shares a house with fellow Prestwich swimmer Adrian Turner, is the first British swimmer to win an Olympic medal since the 1996 Games in Atlanta.

Stephen, who is from Liverpool, arrived in Athens ranked sixth in the world, but only just scraped into the semi-finals after qualifying in 16th place.

The Stockport Swimming Club member cranked up the pace in the semis to finish in first place -- as the fastest qualifier -- ahead of favourite Michael Phelps, from the USA.

He put in a stunning performance in the final on Tuesday evening and finished third after Japan's Takashi Yamamoto (2nd) and Phelps, who won gold.

His performance set a new British and Commonwealth record and a delighted Stephen received his medal from HRH Princess Anne.

Speaking about his performance, Stephen said: "There is a quality feel to come away with a bronze medal. I didn't think I was going to get through, but it was unbelievable to go from 16th to first."

As the one to break the British swimming team's medal deadlock, Stephen believes there is more to come from his team mates.

He said he had worked all his life to achieve an Olympic medal and added: "This tops it all off and it's a fairytale ending for me."

House-mate Adrian Turner (27), whose parents Roger and Joyce run Rainsough Filling Station in Hilton Lane, was not so fortunate after failing to qualify for the finals of the 200m medley on Wednesday night.

After finishing in 15th place in the semi-finals, Adrian's hopes of a medal were dashed.

James Cracknell, who is married to Adrian's sister Beverley, is in with a medal chance after the British coxless four rowing team glided into the finals. The British team will compete in the final on Saturday .