City of Bradford swimmers opened their 2011 long- course account with a host of personal best and national qualifying times at the prestigious Burns Meet at Ponds Forge, Sheffield.

A small squad of experienced swimmers travelled south to compete against Olympians Caitlin McClatchey, Liam Tancock, Lizzie Simmonds and Commonwealth medallists Joe Roebuck and Amy Smith.

Luke Constantine was City’s only medallist. Swimming in the 17-18 years' age group, his time of 26.96sec in the 50 metres butterfly was a personal best and won him a bronze medal. His time of 29.62 in the 50m backstroke was also a best long-course time.

Commonwealth Games representative Sian Morgan posted three youth national times in the 200m and 400m freestyle and 400m individual medley and, at the same time, had final placings in all these events. Her time in the 400m freestyle was also an ASA national time.

Breaststroke specialist David Brown had final placings in the 50m and 100m events. His 50m time was an ASA qualifying time and his 100m a youth time.

Emerging star Ellie Talbot, 13, clinched three best times in the 50m butterfly and 50m and 200m freestyle. Her time of 32.25sec in the butterfly event was good enough for seventh spot, and she also placed fifth in the 50m and 100m backstroke.

Last but by no means was least Sam O’Donohoe, swimming in the 15-16 years' age group.

He opened his New Year long-course account with personal-best times in the 100m backstroke and 200m freestyle.