Double Olympic Champion Rebecca Adlington took the first gold medals of the British Gas Swimming Championships 2011 in Manchester.
Reigning 400m Freestyle Olympic Champion Adlington won the final with a strong swim that saw her lead the world class field from the first 100m.
Adlington settled into her steady stroke early into the race and looked comfortable as she held a one second lead at the half way point.
As the race entered the final 100m the Commonwealth Champion held a three second lead over the field and look on course to set an impressive time. She touched in a time of 4:02.84 which is the third fastest time in British history.
After the race she was asked how she felt about swimming the fastest time this year and she said: "It's scary when you say it like that. I wanted to get in and swim well but to do it in but 4.02 is amazing. I was trying to pick it up in the last 50 so Jazz & Keri-anne didn't catch me.
"I'm working really hard at the moment. I've found a balance after last year and I'm enjoying my racing again. I'm taking the pressure off myself so I can enjoy it again."
Commonwealth medallist Jazmin Carlin secured silver with a new personal best time of 4:05.51and Keri-anne Payne won the bronze in her fastest ever time 4:07.93, taking 3 seconds of her previous personal best.
Ellen Gandy qualified fastest for the final of the women's 100m Butterfly with a time of 58.83 and Jemma Lowe is just behind her with a time of 59.19.
Commonwealth Champion Hannah Miley secured the fastest time for the final of the women's 200m Individual Medley with a time of 2:13.83.
