BOLTON swimmer Anthony Howard goes for gold tomorrow, but without the vocal support of his parents writes David Magilton

The 22-year-old Egerton swimmer lines up in the heats of the 4x100m freestyle relay event at the Aquatic Centre, Manchester, in the morning but mum and dad Brian and Carole Howard will not be there.

"We booked a fortnight's holiday to watch him but were shocked when we saw the price of the tickets," explained his father. "To get a good view for the final costs £90 per ticket and there is no guarantee that the team would reach that stage.

"He has now been selected for the individual event but that announcement came too late for us to get tickets. I will try and watch him on television, but I find it difficult. I am usually pacing around and hiding behind the door until he is finished."

Ticket prices for the swimming events are one of the most expensive at the Games because of the limited seating and massive demand.

Anthony said: " It is a shame that because of the prices my parents can't watch me on their own doorstep. They have been very supportive of me and I would love them to be there, but we have to accept it. I can't let their absence affect my performance."