Charlie Boldison shines at British Summer Champs

Charlie Boldison impressed to take senior 100m Backstroke gold at the 2016 British Summer Championships in Sheffield.

On the eve of his 24th birthday, the English swimmer beat 54 seconds for the first time to win gold in 53.94.

Boldison had been stuck on 54 for two seasons, his previous PB a 54.26 from the 2014 ASA National Championships. But the Stirling-based swimmer powered past that target with a commanding performance in the final.

Took some perseverance but it feels pretty great to break 54 #BleedGreen@uofsswimpic.twitter.com/SLHYBliAUZ

— Charlie Boldison (@CharlieBoldison) July 27, 2016

Boldison’s best performance at a British Champs was in 2014 when he won 100m Back bronze and 200m Back gold.

And while he was fifth in the 100m Back at this year’s 2016 British Champs, his time in Sheffield would have placed him second, just 0.21 behind Commonwealth champion Chris Walker-Hebborn.

Boldison’s effort also sees him rise above Matt Clay into third in the British all-time rankings.

Mayers and Clogg complete backstroke doubles

There was plenty more drama in the age group finals of the boys’ 100m Backstroke.

Ellesmere College Titans’ Leighton Mayers completed a quickfire double in the 15 Yrs age group. Having won 50m Back gold on the opening night, the 15-year old added the 100m title with a PB 58.35.

Dorking’s Nathan McCleave followed Mayers home for silver in 58.75, breaking his own English 14 Yrs age group record of 58.81 from the heats.

City of Sheffield’s Elliot Clogg also completed the 50m and 100m Back double in the 17/18 Yrs age group. The 16-year old beat 56 seconds for just the third time in his career to take the touch in 55.77.

The 16 Yrs age group saw a new face on top of the podium as Newcastle’s Nicholas Pyle clinched gold.

Having finished second to Wycombe’s James Eddy in yesterday’s 50m Back, the 15-year old reversed the placings in the 100m final.

Pyle clocked a PB 57.37 to take the title and move third in the British 15 Yrs all-time rankings in the process.

• Click here to view results from the 2016 British Summer Championships in Sheffield.