Chris Walker-Hebborn takes gold in 50m Backstroke

Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist Chris Walker-Hebborn showed his prowess in the backstroke on day two of the ASA Winter Meet.

The Ellesmere swimmer was third fastest qualifier going into the 50m Back final. But he had plenty left in the tank and touched 23.95 for gold, almost half a second head of the rest of the field.

Fastest qualifier Conor Ferguson, also from Ellesmere, followed up for silver with a new personal best time of 24.32. Loughborough Uni’s Joe Elwood took the final place on the podium in 24.40.

Walker-Hebborn said: “It was a difficult field. It was difficult this morning. I was a little disappointed with my performance, but it was nice to dip under 24 and take the gold medal.

“This year has been pretty special. I was lucky enough to come away with a silver from the Olympics. Obviously I was a little disappointed with my individual performance, but I got the end goal so I am happy.”

Holly Hibbott sets the standard in the 800m Free

Holly Hibbott of Stockport Metro made her mark in the Women’s 800m Freestyle final. She was fourth fastest going into the heat and was up against some big names. Despite the pressure, Hibbott kept her cool and took gold in a time of 8:19.19, shaving five seconds off her personal best time.

City of Glasgow’s Rio 2016 Olympian Camilla Hattersley was second (8:21.36) and Isobel Griffiths third with 8:26.25.

Thomas takes 50m Butterfly final

Alys Thomas of Swansea Aquatics takes gold in the Women’s 50m Butterfly final, taking the race on the touch. She made it to the wall in 26.20 for victory.

Marie Wattel was one of five Loughborough swimmers in the final, and claimed the silver medal in 26.23, just ahead of her team mate Rachael Kelly.

Kelly, who was the fastest qualifier going into the final, touched third in 26.44.

Bath Uni make it two in the relays

Bath University took their second relay gold of the competition after a very close race in the Men’s 4x200m Freestyle Relay final.

It was a battle to the end between Bath and Loughborough Uni, but double individual gold medallist Calum Jarvis just made it to the wall first. He touched in their collective time of 7:03.78.

Silver went to Loughborough Uni (7:04.27) and bronze to City of Sheffield (7:07.85).

Jarvis commented: “It was a really great race to be a part of. I think it was just determination and wanting to do it for the team. That motivation always helps you to get to the wall first. ”

City of Sheffield clinch the 4x100m Free relay

The Women’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay was a fight to the finish, with almost nothing to separate Sheffield and Plymouth Leander in the final 100m. Darcy Deakin and Jessica Jackson were neck and neck in the final 25m, but Deakin just reached the wall first.

Sheffield took gold with 3:38.82, Plymouth took silver with 3:38.92 and Ealing took bronze (3:39.76).

Top