WARRIORS of Warrington swimmer Matthew Verdon is fast developing a reputation as a potential Olympian after breaking the British 50m backstroke record for 13-year-olds at the weekend.

The Bridgewater High School pupil posted a time of 29.01secs in the open 50m backstroke race on the second weekend of the Cheshire Championships, breaking a national long course record that has stood since November 2005.

Matthew is a member of the elite national squad and was crowned Cheshire senior champion in the 200m backstroke at the weekend despite his tender age.

He also became junior champion in both the 100m and 200m backstroke, winning four gold medals in total and posting four national qualifying times.

Fellow Warriors swimmer Ewan Miller won gold in the 10-year-old 100m individual medley and 200m freestyle at the championships, while Phillip Cooper was victorious in the 15-year-old 800m freestyle.

Sean Halpin secured gold in the 15-year-old 200m backstroke, with Jordan Barlow posting a national qualifying time on the way to a silver medal in the 200m freestyle race.

Michael Tujeshyn clinched silver and bronze in the respective 15-year-old 800m freestlye and 200m backstroke events, while Edward Shattock finished second in the 15-year-old 1500m freestyle.

Rachel Callaghan won silver in the 14-year-old girls' 800m freestyle, as did Sophie Long in the 13-year-old girls' 200m breaststroke.

Daniel Wass took bronze in the 12-year-old boys' 100m and 200m backstroke, with Michael Ross also finishing third in the 12-year-old 100m individual medley and 200m backstroke.

Several other Warriors swimmers posted personal best times during the weekend.