BARRY'S Olympic swimming hero David Davies returned to his old school this week, to launch his first book.

The Welsh champion visited St Cyres to promote World Book Day (March 5) and to talk to sixth formers about his autobiography, In At The Deep End: From Barry To Beijing.

The book charts the 24-year-old’s career from his days as a schoolboy swimmer to the defining moment of his career, when he won the silver medal in the first ever 10km open water race at the Beijing Olympics.

Davies was carried off on a stretcher suffering from exhaustion after the race – but his performance won him a place in British swimming history, as the only male swimmer to win medals at two consecutive Olympic games.

In At The Deep End goes behind the waterside drama to discover what it was really like to win a medal in the toughest race in the Olympics.

“I was chuffed when I was asked to write this book,” said David, who collaborated with Radio 5 Live swimming commentator Bob Ballard.

Bob has followed David’s career since his first major championship success at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002 when he was just 17. Since then David has won medals at every major championship at 1500m.

He added: “When I got back from Beijing I sat down with Bob and we started working on the book.

“It was fun to sit down and remember, it brought back all the good memories and made me realise just what I had achieved.

“I always say you have to be able to achieve something to write a book about your life.

“For me it’s not finished yet, this book is my story till now!”

Published by Accent Press Ltd of Bedlinog, David’s book is one of four English language titles specially written for the Quick Reads 2009 campaign.

They are short, fast-paced books perfect for people looking for an introduction to reading or regular readers who want a bite-sized book. In Wales the project is a joint venture between Basic Skills Cymru and the Welsh Books Council and funded through the National Basic Skills Strategy for Wales on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government.

“Being a Quick Read, it’s a short book – so it’s not too daunting,” added David.

“If I can get just one person who wouldn’t normally pick up a book to read my book, it will be a great personal achievement for me.”