Having registered a strong 1:01.8 (PB!) heat swim in the morning session, he was up for the challenge and believed that he was on for something special in the final. He turned at 27.67 (0.2secs outside the 50m British Record) and dug deep on the back end 50m to ensure the end result – securing his first British Senior Record and Senior National title. Dan will now have a rest day on Wednesday, and be back in action on Thursday with the 200m IM and 200m BRS.

Another great performer on day 1 was Ryan Bennett in the Mens 100m Backstroke. Having eased to a new PB of 55.83 in the heats, Ryan elected to contend the senior final to challenge himself to step up against the big guys rather than swim with his own age group in the youth 17/18yrs age group. And step up he did!! Ryan led from the start in true style as he came home first in 54.94. He was out in 26.67 at the 50m mark and then powered through the second 50m to win against quality opposition, also becoming Senior National Champion for the first time.

Josh Walsh was also on fine form today winning the 17/18yrs 400m Freestyle final. He swam a controlled heat swim of 3:57.53 and knew he had more to come for the final. He swam the perfect race of 1:57.0/1:57.3, swimming with the opposition to the 250m mark and then turning on the power to pull away from them on the last 150. He clocked 3:54.35 and took the title – and showed himself that he could bounce back after a disappointing European Junior Championships earlier in the month.

Other swims today were:

Jordan Theaker 4:09.76 in the 400m Free – just outside his best. Jordan was just a bit cautious in this swim, and will now need to be much more aggressive as he races in the 100m individual and 200m relay on day 2.

Justin Austin swam with similar caution in the 100m Backstroke and clocked a 1:02.19. Again, its now about how Justin bounces back and raises his game.

Steph Slater swam a solid 1:12.73 in her first meet since a 6 week break through injury. She can now focus on swimming the 50m later in the week before competing at the Tri Nations Meet at the weekend. Ryan and Dan will also be competing at the Tri Nations.

Let's Go Gallica!!!