Jackson also won a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics

Richmond swimmer Joanne Jackson said she exceeded her own expectations at the World Championships in Rome.

She won silver medals in the 400m and 800m freestyle and helped secure bronze in the 4x200m relay.

Jackson told BBC Radio York: "I just set myself personal targets and they were like just different times for me and I achieved what I wanted to.

"I was so pleased and to get the times that I did I was so happy. I didn't know if I was going to get any medals."

"I didn't know how anyone else was going to swim."

Jackson beat Olympic champion Rebecca Addlington in both the 400m and 800m freestyle but she said her friend was still a great support to her.

"We're really good friends. Last year I was so happy for Becky with how she did and Becky was so happy for me," she said.

"We spoke after our swims when we finished and she said how proud of me she was.

"We get on so well and we both support each other and when one of us doesn't swim as well and we just like to see each other do well."

Jackson is next competing in Leeds before having some time off with her family.

"I still haven't seen my parents yet so I can't wait to get home and see them and and I think once I've seen them and celebrated it'll start to sink in," she continued.

I've got a couple of weeks off this year and with London 2012 coming up we don't have massive breaks during the Olympic cycle Jo Jackson

"It's so nice to be home and the support that we've had has been absolutely amazing. The whole week just went so well for me.

"This weekend I go to Leeds because we've got another competition this week then I get to go home for a few weeks and I'm really looking forward to that.

"I've got a couple of weeks off this year and with London 2012 coming up we don't have massive breaks during the Olympic cycle. So it's pretty much full on for the next three years."

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