English Commonwealth champion Christopher Cook yesterday confirmed his retirement from swimming.

Cook, 30-year-old from South Shields, attended two Olympics in 2004 and 2008.

The highlights of his career included gold in the 50 and 100 metres breaststroke at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and a silver with the 4x100 medley relay.

He still holds the British record for the 100 metres breaststroke in 59.88 seconds.