Goddard's farewell to Games
Former Latics' centre of excellence player James Goddard is through to an Olympic Games swimming final.The 29-year-old tonight claimed a place in the final of the 200 metres individual medley.
And Goddard, who also reached Olympic finals in Athens and Beijing, says tomorrow will be his Olympic farewell.
It could not be a bigger occasion as Goddard will be up against Michael Phelps who last night won his 19th medal to become the most decorated Olympian and new kid on the block Ryan Lochte.
Goddard finished third behind Lochte and Phelps in his semi final and clocked the seven quickest overall time to make the eight-strong final.
After finishing fourth in Athens and sixth in Beijing, Goddard is hoping to go out on a high, though he admits he is not is peak form.
He said: "I feel I have a lot more in me but, for whatever reason, it just isn't happening at the moment.
"I don't know why, but hopefully I can do something special tomorrow night.
"The final going to be even more stacked against me, but it will be a great experience."
Goddard added that London 2012 is by far the most memorable of his three Olympics.
"To get a home Commonwealth Games and Olympics in my career has been an honour," he explained.
He continued: "It is definitely my last Olympic Games and it has been a privilege.
"My daughter has been watching in the crowd and that is something she will remember for the rest of her life. Hopefully I can make her proud."
* Goddard is pictured on his return to Boundary Park in April being interviewed by BBC Radio Manchester's Ian Cheeseman.