The Championships, which started today and are due to run until next Saturday (March 10), are serving as the trials for the Olympics and Paralympics as well as the London 2012 swimming test event.

The 17-year-old from Walsall put down a huge marker for the Games as she claimed victory in 5min 27.09sec to take 1,005 qualifying points for the Paralympics.

Hannah Russell took silver in a personal best time of 4:46.76 to collect 905 points, while bronze went to Heather Frederiksen who finished in 5:01.69 to take 849 points.

"I'm really happy with the gold medal," said Simmonds.

"The swim was really good although it wasn't as good as I wanted it to be, I am happy with it.

"It was the first time racing in this pool, which is great practice.

"I've got the qualification time now as well so hopefully I'll be going to the Paralympics.

"I knew I could hit the qualification time quite easily, but you always have that bit of pressure and worry in the back of your head.

"You never know what is going to happen."


Jessica-Jane Applegate (pictured above) also underlined her Paralympic intentions to the selectors as she posted a personal best to win the 200m multi classification final.

Applegate finished in a time of 2:14.71 to win gold and claim a points tally of 996.

Natalie Massey finished in second place with a points tally of 960 and a time of 2.16.38 while Chloe Davies was third in 2.17.86 with a 929 point tally.

"I feel like a champion right now," said Applegate.

"I felt a bit like jelly on the blocks but I knew I had to do it now.

"This was the chance to impress and I did."

The men's 200m multi classification saw European champion Dan Pepper (pictured below) take victory in time of 2:02.73 and score a total of 969.

His club mate Ben Procter took silver with a score of 958 after touching in at 2:03.21 while Craig Rodgie finished third with 948 points in 2:03.63.


"The atmosphere in the pool was great tonight," said Pepper after securing victory.

"I really love it.

"Obviously from tonight's results we've seen its fast water and a nice depth and temperature.

"It's a nice environment to swim in which is great."

Jonathan Fox took the title in the last final of the night as he won the 400m freestyle multi classification.

The world record holder was just outside that mark to win with 4:47.46 and 999 points putting him in the running for a spot at London 2012.

Oliver Hynd took second place in 4:28.62 and a points total of 972 as he edged out older brother Sam, who finished in third place with 953 points and a time of 4.30.52.

"I competed at Beijing Paralympics what seems like a long, long time ago now and I thought nothing could beat the Water Cube [Beijing National Aquatics Centre] but I've come here and there's something special about it which has taken it to a whole new level," said Fox.

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