SWIMMER Richard Hampson's dreams of a Commonwealth place were scuppered by his new training regime.

For the past four months the 20-years-old has been studying at the prestigious SMU University in Dallas, Texas, and has put on weight while adapting to American methods.

Though he returned home last month to compete in the British trials for the July games in Manchester he failed to make the squad.

But for Richard, a former St Catherine of Siena, Lowton, Leigh St Mary's RC High and Wigan and Leigh College student, who arrived home from the US for the summer on Monday, will have the consolation of training with some of the world's top swimmers at Wigan's international pool.

The 400m butterfly ace will work there with the Australian squad, which it is hoped will include the amazing record breaking Olympic champion, Ian Thorpe.

Specialist

Asthma sufferer Richard, a top junior swimmer, took up the sport at the age of nine on the recommendation of a hospital specialist and took to it like a duck to water.

He joined Howe Bridge Aces then moved to Hindley ASC and Tyldesley ASC becoming a member of the Wigan Scheme of Excellence.

Gail says: "He has just arrived home for the summer and will be training with the Aussie team for the games in Wigan. That should be a good experience for him and help with his aim towards the 2004 Olympics."