Nick Grainger: 'Just being at Commonwealth Games is achievement after injury woe'

Team England swimmer Nick Grainger has admitted that he has already reached his main target by just competing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The 19-year-old made his Commonwealth debut today by qualifying for the 200m freestyle final after winning a swim-off against Wales's Ieuan Lloyd and Canada's Ryan Cochrane.

All three clocked a time of 1:48.98 in the heats before Grainger sealed the final qualifier spot in 1:48.29.

There were doubts whether the swimmer would even secure a place in Team England for the major competition following spinal injury problems.

"My coach said to me before we got in that it's a fantastic achievement to even be here after what I've been through this season," Grainger told reporters. "So, to actually be here and to get in to swim almost my best time in the heats - I couldn't really ask for anything more to be honest."

The Brit will also compete in the 4x200m freestyle relay.