Swimming: Smith turns down selection

GRAEME SMITH has turned down the chance to represent Britain in the 1500 metres freestyle at this summer's European championships in Sheffield. Instead, the 17-year-old Scot has chosen to compete in next month's European junior championships in Istanbul.

Smith, who swims for Stockport Metro, earned automatic selection for the European seniors at the ASA national championships in Sheffield over the weekend, where he achieved a surprise victory over the British record-holder, Ian Wilson, in the 1500m final, with a Scottish record of 15min 37.67sec.

Smith was one of 13 swimmers who earned automatic selection with victories at Sheffield inside the qualifying time. Nick Gillingham has already been pre-selected and the remainder of the squad will be chosen on 7 July.