A LOT has changed for Tom Hamer since he burst on to the international scene four years ago - and not just his choice in hairstyles.

It was at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow that Hamer, then just 15-years-old and sporting highlights, announced himself to the world by winning a silver medal.

Hamer was still a pupil at Alder Grange High School at the time and he admits the whole situation was a bit surreal. But four years on, he looks back with fond memories.

“I can’t wait to compare pictures from this one to 2014,” he said. “I had blond hair, I looked like a little boy. I’ve gone through a few different hair styles since then.

“Back then, I was only 15-years-old and I was like a kid, running riot around the village. I was so hyper, I loved every second of it.

“It has all been a little bit surreal to be honest.”

Hamer has matured in and out of the pool having grown up in the public eye - winning medals at the Paralympics and World Championships along the way.

“I’ve definitely grown up,” said Hamer. “I have developed as a person, my body has changed, a lot of things have changed.

“I’ve matured, I used to take everything second by second but now I think about it more.

“But my love for the pool is the same.”

While the last four years have been something of a whirlwind for Hamer - who is now based out of the National Performance Centre in Manchester - he has never forgotten Burnley Bobcats Swimming Club where his journey began.

“You never forget where you are from and I am proud to be a Burnley Bobcat,” said Hamer. “I was there for five years.

“It’s kind of scary now because I go to a few competitions and there are Bobcats there and there was a time when I used to know everybody.

“My mum was involved in the club so I used to know everyone but now there are a lot of new swimmers coming in.

“It’s different but it is still my second home.”

Hamer admits swimming is a very isolated sport and describes his job as ‘counting tiles for a living’ referring to the amount of time he spends starring at the bottom of a pool, but thanked his parents for their support.

“If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be here,” he added. “They are the foundation of it all. They would get up and and drive me to training at 4am in the morning. They were hard days. Now it is only 7.30am in the water, so it isn’t too bad.”

But should he strike gold in Gold Coast, it will be a toss up between them and the cub scouts who the medal will be dedicated to.

“It is always good to give back to your community and I am always loving to inspire the young kids,” said Hamer, who is an East Lancashire Scouts Ambassador and works with the 38th Rossendale in Rawtenstall.

“I go every Tuesday night and I absolutely love it. The kids love it. I try to do as many weekends, parades as I can. It’s just good to give something back.

“So if I do win gold, I think I would dedicate it to my folks or to the scouts. Time will tell!”