Swimming: Record for Ruckwood

ADAM RUCKWOOD raced to a British 200 metres backstroke record in Sheffield yesterday - and then described his achievement as only 'a bit of a bonus'.

As far as the Birmingham 18-year-old was concerned, securing his place in Britain's European championship squad was more important either than the record or his victory in the Mycil ASA national championship final.

'I'm just delighted to make the team - the record is a bit of a bonus,' said Ruckwood, whose time of 2min 01.90sec cut 0.68 of a second off Matthew O'Connor's year-old mark.

Mike Fibbins, who like Ruckwood was unable to produce his best in Barcelona, also bounced back with victory in the 50m freestyle - again inside the European qualifying time.

Fibbins, the European championship bronze medallist two years ago, admitted he was nervous about his chances of making the Europeans this summer. But the 25-year old swept into the team with his victory in 22.90sec, edging out his Barnet Copthall club-mate Mark Foster, the world short course record-holder, who was also inside the European qualifying mark with 23.15.