LONDON 2012 gold medallist Davis Tarwater returned to the university that helped rekindle his love for swimming to share his Olympic glory.

The former St Antony's College student said he rediscovered his passion for the sport while studying for a masters in Latin American Studies in 2010. The 28-year-old American took the gold in the men's 4x200m freestyle relay final on Tuesday.

He met former university colleagues during a visit to the Iffley Road Sports Complex yesterday.

He said: “I’ve just been allowed out of the Olympic Village after being there since the start of the Games and it’s great to be back at Oxford.”

The athlete, from Knoxville, Tennessee, said: “I’m still trying to internalise what has happened, I think it will sink in over the next couple of days.”

When he was in Oxford he swam for the Varsity team.

University swimming team coach Justine Schluntz said: “Everyone talked about how much Davis helped and gave to the team.” Picture: OX53591 Anthony Moore