Flavia Rigamonti, coached by Steve Collins in Dallas, is the poster girl for metronomic Swiss timing. In the inaugural 1,500m free at the European Championships, the 26-year-old from Sorgengo challenged her own continental record pace with a 15:58.54 victory.

Second at world championships to Kate Ziegler (USA) in Melbourne last year, Rigamonti kept at bay Erika Villaecija (ESP), on 16:02.08, with Lotte Friis (DEN) third in 16:11.26. Rigamonti holds the European record in 15:55.38, from Melbourne.

Rigamonti said: 'I was not hot on breaking the European record, I just wanted to swim a good race. I'll definitely retire after the Olympic Games in Beijing.' She ruled out any chance of her racing in the inaugural open water 10km marathon.

Evgeny Korotyshkin (RUS) sprung a surprise from lane 8 in the 100m butterfly. The 24-year-old claimed the European crown in 51.89 off a 24.28 split. In his wake, Peter Mankoc (SLO) on 52.07, and Rafael Munoz (ESP) on 52.09. It was the champion's best swim since he set a best time of 52.4 in June 2005. Back in sixth was the third-fastest man ever, Andriy Serdinov (UKR), on 52.59, still preparing for a bigger moment in Beijing.

Korotyshkin said: 'Yesterday I was very happy the reach the final as the last qualifier in lane eight. Our federation told us that any European champion would book his Olympic ticket. Of course it is surprising to win swimming in lane 8. It also came as a big surprise for me.'

Sara Isakovic (SLO), coached by Miha Potounik at in Bled, claimed the 200m freestyle crown in 1:57.45, 0.02sec ahead of Olympic champion Camelia Potec (ROU), with Agnes Mutina (HUN) third in 1:58.06. Isakovic broke the minute as a 16-year-old and now 19 raced inside a 2007 best time of 1:58.19 as she edges down towards the kind of times that will contend for glory in Beijing. The race went without Federica Pellegrini (ITA), disqualified for a false start in heats, and world champion and record holder Laure Manaudou (FRA), who opted not to swim.