Elizabeth Simmonds, 17, gave the British and Commonwealth records a scare in the heats of the 200m backstroke at Olympic trials in Sheffield. Her 2:08.79 effort was just 0.05sec outside the national standard established by Katy Sexton on the way to the world title in Barcelona in 2003, and just 0.24sec shy of the Commonwealth record set by Meagen Nay at Australian trials last month.

Coached by Marc Spackman at Lincoln Vulcans, Simmonds split the half-way at 1:02.19. Was it too fast? 'No, the fastest swimmers go out fast but feel easy. I have to learn how to do it. That was a best time. I'll take it stages. I'm pleased with that. Let's see what I can do tomorrow.' The finals are being held in the mornings to reflect conditions in Beijing. Simmond's time lifts her from 20th on the all-time list on 2:09.52 to 13th.

Second through to the final was Gemma Spofforth, based in Florida and winner of the 100m backstroke here at trials via two sub-minute efforts. In the 200m, she clocked a strong 2:09.71.