Swimming: Sexton sets new standard in taking Barcelona berth

Katy Sexton broke the Commonwealth and British records in the 100 metres backstroke final at the National Championships in Sheffield yesterday, forcing the Commonwealth champion, Sarah Price, into second place. Her 1min 0.49sec qualifies her for the World Championships and is the sixth best all-time performance in the world.

Adam Ruckwood's eight-year-old British record for the 200m backstroke also fell when the Commonwealth champion, James Goddard. beat it in the semi-final by clocking 1min 58.97sec.

Ian Edmond hoped to break Nick Gillingham's 11-year-old British record in the final of the 200m breaststroke, but he had to content himself with qualifying for the worlds in Barcelona in 2min 11.56sec.

Alison Sheppard showed she meant business in the final of the 50m freestyle, winning in 24.98sec and qualifying for Barcelona. Zoe Baker, although not at her best, also secured her ticket to Spain when she won the 50m breaststroke in 31.48sec.