Over the last four days of competition at the European Short Course in Istanbul, Turkey, Loughborough swimmers have been proving that they can race and compete with the best swimmers in Europe setting many new National marks along the way.

Laurent Carnol and Michael Dawson led the record breaking charge on day 1; Laurent set new Luxembourg National records in the men's 50m & 100m breaststroke; Not to outdone Michael Dawson achieved the same fete with Irish National Junior records in the same events.

Joe Roebuck was the most successful Loughborough swimmer of the meet narrowly missing out on a medal finishing 4th in both the 400m IM and the 200m butterfly. He also came 6th in the 200m IM. Consolation for Joe was that he broke the British and Commonwealth record in the 400IM and also set a British record in the 200m butterfly.

Commenting on his championships Roebuck said " I was disappointed not to make the podium last night but I've raced in 3 finals, recorded lifetime bests in each event, set 2 British Records and a Commonwealth Record. I've proved I can race with some of the best in the world...a good meet all round"

Other Loughborough swimmers to excel were Amy Smith who achieved a semi final placing in the women's 50m free and enjoyed a 6th place finish as part of the women's 4 x 50m free relay team. Melanie Nocher made the final of the women's 200m backstroke nearly breaking her own Irish record in the process, eventually finishing 9th in the final.

Rachel Lefley competing in her first senior international for Great Britain achieved new lifetime best times to secure semi final placings in both the 50 and 100m backstroke events. Daniel Fogg also competed in the men's 400m & 1500m free.

Also at the event were quite a few Loughborough alumni and ex Loughborough swimmers. Donal O'Neill (Ireland) broke three senior Irish records in the 50m & 100m backstroke. Ian Hulme (Bath ITC) and Charles Turner (Ealing) were part of the men's 4 x 50 free relay team in the final along with ex Loughborough swimmer Craig Gibbons (Maxwell) who also raced in the men's 100m free final. Stephanie Proud (University of Florida) swam a whole range of events making semi finals and one final in the women's 200m finishing in 8th place.

A very successful championships for Loughborough swimmers past and present.

Well done to everyone.