Joe Litchfield wins 400m IM gold on day two

Joe Litchfield of City of Sheffield claimed gold in the men’s 400m Individual Medley on day two of the Swim England National Winter Championships.

The 19-year-old touched in a new personal best time of 4:18.70 to top the podium. He was over seven seconds faster than his heat swim.

Commenting on his performance, Litchfield said: “I was going into it quite nervous.

“I knew I had to do a big PB but I’ve never raced hard in December before so it was something new for me.

“I’m getting better as the year goes on so and I’m happy to come out with the medal and PB.”

Maidenhead’s European Junior silver medallist Tom Dean claimed silver. He touched in a personal 4:19.55 for his medal. Loughborough University’s Fraser Minnican followed up for third, claiming bronze in a time of 4:20.25.

The B final went to Zak Logue of City of Sunderland, who beat Nathan Wells of Loughborough Uni and Newcastle’s Adam Wilson to the touch. He claimed gold in 4:30.37.

Hibbott unstoppable in 800m Freestyle

Stockport Metro’s Holly Hibbott dominated the women’s 800m Freestyle. The 18-year-old, who has already been named on the England team for next year’s Commonwealth Games, touched in 8:38.54 for gold.

“I’m quite happy with my gold medal, but I wish I had been closer to my PB,” said Hibbott, who set a lifetime best 8:30.66 to reach the final on her World Championship debut earlier this year.

“I’m pleased to see I can swim like that when I’m unrested and hopefully next year when I’m rested I’ll be able to swim faster.”

Loughborough Uni’s Alice Dearing claimed silver in 8:43.73. Bronze went to City of Leeds’ Leah Crisp for her 8:47.90 effort.

Plymouth Leander win 4x100m relay gold

Plymouth Leander secured gold in the Men’s 4x100m Freestyle relay.

The quartet of Reece Dunn, James Watson, Freddy Clampett and Thomas Fannon swam a collective 3:25.58.

They were chased all the way by Mount Kelly, who took silver in 3:27.34. Hatfield took the bronze medal with 3:33.90.

• Click here to see full results from the Swim England National Winter Championships 2017.