Stephens equals British record at Disability Championships

ANTHONY Stephens broke the British record in the 100m Freestyle at DSE International Disability Swimming Championships in Sheffield.

Stephens secured his place in the team for the IPC European Championships later this year when he touched home in 1.15.84.

"I have been waiting to go under 1:16 for about a year now and I am really happy to have done it," said Stephens.

"After my performance this morning, I wasn't expecting to swim like that in the final. I felt really robotic this morning but it came together really well."

Evergreen Scot Jim Anderson took silver but secured the qualifying time during the heats.
 
Four-time Paralympic medallist Louise Watkin equalled her British record in the women's 50m freestyle but Heather Frederiksen - swimming in a different classification - took gold.

"I am pleased with the time because it was the same time that I swam in Beijing but I just wanted to beat my British record," said Watkin.

"After this morning I didn't think I was going to go that fast."
 
Matt Walker stole the gold medal away from David Roberts in the men's 50m freestyle.

"That was a really comfortable swim," he said.

"I just knew I had to keep my stroke going and it went well. I was just off my personal best but I am happy. I have just been swimming hard at this meet and it is paying off."