A host of podium finishes saw Loughborough University swimmers make a huge impact on the opening night of finals at the Barcelona Mare Nostrum.

Joanne Jackson was unbeatable as she outclassed her rivals in the 800m & 200m freestyle events. Experimenting with the longer event prior to the next World Trial she took down established names to secure Gold in an impressive 8:24.48; Joanne went on to claim the 200m freestyle title in 1:58.39.

Lizzie Simmonds displayed an excellent turn of speed to take silver in the 100m backstroke (1:00.81) whilst Francesca Halsall narrowly missed the British Record with a blistering 24.54 50m freestyle to clinch bronze.

Former World Record Holder, Liam Tancock, demonstrated his power and early cycle speed with victory in the 50m backstroke (25.52) and Scott Hathaway swimming a well paced race to take bronze in the 200m backstroke (2:02.66); his first podium finish in a major internatonal meet.

Joe Roebuck and Caitlin McClatchey unfortunately missed podium finishes in the 200m butterfly and 200m freestyle finals respectively as did David Davies and Daniel Fogg in the 400m freestyle.

Loughborough were also well represented in the "B" Finals; Francesca Halsall winning the 200m freestyle ahead of teammates Melanie Nocher and Sophie Casson with Robert Bale and Daniel Coombs making it a club 1-2 in the 400m freestyles.

Whilst some swimmers from other teams were obviously affected by the controversy over swimsuits it seems Loughborough swimmers took it in their stride and just swam fast!

Bring on Day 2 of the meet!!