Roberto Pavoni has admitted that he "had a point to prove" after he secured gold in the 200m individual medley at the British Swimming Championships.
Despite winning a silver and bronze medal at last year's European Championships, Pavoni had his funding withdrawn by UK Sport, but after an even race, he edged out Dan Wallace and Tristian Slater to get home in first place.
The 24-year-old is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "I felt like I had a point to prove and I've done that. I've never celebrated quite like that because it really meant everything."
Victory for Pavoni has also booked his place at the World Championships in Kazan later this year.
