Golden nap hand for Sian

7:59pm Friday 1st February 2008

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The highlight of this year's Gateshead and Whickham Burns Meet was undoubtedly a British record in the 100m freestyle by Liverpool's Francesca Halsall in a time of 54.53sec.

But the quality of the meet did not deter City of Bradford's Sian Morgan, who rose to the occasion and produced some very impressive swims to secure no less than five gold medals.

Top clubs such as Loughborough University, Derventio and Stockport entered the meet and Olympic hopefuls Caitlin McClatchey, Kate Heywood, Liam Tancock, Ross Davenport and Chris Cook tested their race fitness for the forthcoming Olympic Trials and World Short Course Championships in Manchester.

Sian's wins came in the 13 years' age group in the 100 metres, 200m and 400m freestyle and the 100m and 200m butterfly.

She was also placed second in the 50m freestyle and 200m individual medley.

These swims added to her tally of nine qualifying times for the Olympic trials to be held in Sheffield next month.

Jenna Chatburn of Skipton, who also trains with Bradford Council's Sport and Leisure Service coaching and training scheme, showed impressive form in the breaststroke events when she finished in silver-medal place in the 50m event and claimed sixth place and a National Youth qualifying time in the 100m event in a time of 1min 16.87sec.

Continuing City's success in the breaststroke events, Sian Freeman was placed eighth in the girls' 16-17 years' 50m event.

Other swimmers who gained valuable experience by competing in this prestigious meet were Lucy Burnside and Sam O'Donohoe.