Welbourn breaks European record in Sheffield

ROBERT Welbourn lit up the first day of the British International Disability Championships, breaking his own European record en route to victory.

Welbourne clocked 4:07.05 seconds on the way to victory in the S10 400m freestyle in Sheffield and booked his place at the IPC Swimming World Championships.

"I swam well a few weeks ago and so I knew I was on for good times here," said Welbourn.

"I felt good throughout and even though it did hurt, I don't feel like I slowed up through the race."

Meanwhile, double Paralympic champion Eleanor Simmonds collected her first medal of the tournament in the 400m freestyle but admitted she was slightly disappointed with her time of 5:32.03.

"I really wanted to go under 5:30 here today so I am little bit disappointed, but it was still a strong swim for me.

"I have achieved the qualifying time for the World Championships and that is great.

"I was only just 12 years old when I went to the 2006 World Championships in Durban and it was the first event to give me international experience so I am looking forward to competing in a World Championships again."