More Records Fall at British Nationals

By Craig Lord
Swimming World’s European correspondent

Sheffield, England – The fast times just kept on coming as the British Nationals, which doubled as the Trials for the European Championships, finished up today.

Alison Sheppard set a British and Commonwealth record in the 50m freestyle, clocking 25.47. Her time ties her with the USA’s Jenny Thompson as the second fastest time in the world this year. Holland’s Inge DeBruijn leads the world rankings at 24.88. Shepherd broke the British and Commonwealth record of 25.51 set earlier this year by Sue Rolph. Rolph finished in 25.50, under her previous best, making her fourth fastest in the world this year.

Rolph came back on Sunday to win the 200m individual medley in 2:14.62, setting a British record and clocking the world’s second fastest time of 1999.

South Africa’s Mandy Loots set her third national and African record when she won the women’s 100m butterfly in 1:00.77.

On the men’s side, James Hickman lowered his 1999 world-leading time in the 100m butterfly when he clocked 52.87. Thus far he is the only swimmer to crack 53 seconds this year. Olympian Paul Palmer won the 400m free in 3:51.73, which moves him up to sixth in this year’s world rankings.

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