100 Team GB contenders for London 2012: Liam Heath

Liam Heath (left) and Jon Schofield won silver at the 2011 World Championships

Canoe sprint

Born: 17/08/84

Career highlights

The Guildford athlete has become a strong Olympic medal contender after teaming up with Jon Schofield in the K2 200m. The pair retained their European title in 2011 and also upgraded to silver at the World Championships, having won bronze in 2010.

Did you know?

After becoming frustrated at his lack of progress in the 500m event, Heath at one stage gave up the sport to shake cocktails in a bar (he can name and make over 150 cocktails) while taking a degree at Loughborough University.

He returned to the sport full-time in 2009 when the K2 200m was added to the Olympic programme.

Career background

Heath was first introduced to kayaking as part of an organised activity week at the age of 10.