Osborne record will stand - Powell's not

COMMONWEALTH Games duo Ian Powell and Jeremy Osborne have been starring either side of the Atlantic. Competing at the Florida International in Miami for Florida State University, Powell chalked up three good individual wins and set a new personal best for the 200 yards backstroke.

His winning time of 1-49.11 converts to a still quick 1-59.9 200m. That's inside the island record but it won't count as one.

'He can't claim an island record because you can't convert from yards for record purposes,' said Beau Sejour Barracudas and island coach Alison Frankland.

'I know he's really coming on and improving,' said Frankland, who was pleased to hear that Powell had also swum a converted 55.5 for the 100m butterfly and 2-00.6 for the 200 fly.

Neil Harper, his college coach, was also pleased with the young Guernseyman.

'He did well and you cannot take that away from him. He swam well in all three races.'

Meanwhile, Osborne became the fastest 100m freestyler in Guernsey history when he clocked 51.93sec. at the English Schools Championships in Sheffield.

Competing for Hampshire, Osborne finished fourth in his age group, beating the island short course best of 52.30 previously held by Ben Lowndes.

The long-course best is 54.18 and is held by Sean Rowe-Hagans.