SALISBURY swimmer Phil Muspratt won two silver medals in the World Masters Games in Auckland, New Zealand, which attracts 25,000 from around the world and is the biggest multi-sporting event on the planet.

Muspratt came second in the 50m backstroke and the 50m freestyle in season best times, finishing just behind London Olympian Carl O’Donnell of New Zealand and also competed in the 200m freestyle race finishing fifth again with a season best time.

Phil, who following a bad injury lay-off towards the end of 2016 and a personal family illness from which he drew massive inspiration to raise the money to compete in Auckland, said: “I’m really happy to have medalled here in Auckland.

“To bring my Mum home a world medal after the tough experiences she experienced last year, I’m over the moon.

“Swimming against a former Olympian shows the calibre of this meet and how tough it can be to medal at big international masters meets.”

The Salisbury Stingrays swimmer wasn’t planning on swimming in this competition until the last minute said his mum has been a massive influence on him.

He said: “I am here and I’m here for Mum; everything she went through showed me to never live with regrets.”

Phil will end his swimming season at the World Championships in Budapest this August and will be looking to recreate the same form as he did in Auckland.