Swimming: Aimee Willmott dominates pool as she powers to a gold in Glasgow

1-year-old from Ormesby crossed the line in the 400m individual medley more than five seconds clear of second-placed Danielle Lowe

Teesside swim queen Aimee Willmott powered her way to a gold medal finish on day one of the British Gas Swimming Championships in Glasgow.

The 21-year-old from Ormesby crossed the line in the 400m individual medley more than five seconds clear of second-placed Danielle Lowe, recording a time of 4mins 35.94secs.

It was a dominant performance from the Middlesbrough ASC member, who led from the third lap onwards.

Willmott, a former Nunthorpe School pupil, finished in the silver medal position last year but was expected the go one better following the withdrawal of eight-time champion Hannah Miley.

She won her heat earlier in the day in 4mins 40.70secs.

Aimee’s time in the final was inside the Commonwealth Games Nomination Time and she’ll be hoping to achieve another gold medal finish at the same venue in the Games final in July.

Rosie Rudin, aged just 15, was third in the 400m IM final in 4mins 45.33secs.

Middlesbrough have five members taking part in the Championships, which finish on Tuesday and double as a qualifying selection for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, European Long Course Championships and European Junior Championships.

Willmott, who is also aiming to qualify for the European Long Course Championships in Berlin, is joined in Glasgow by Georgia Nixon, Emma Cassell, Jack Baister and Perry Gardner.

Georgia Nixon, aged 17, finished 19th overall in the 400m IM, recording a time of 5mins 0.07secs.

Emma Cassell, Jack Baister and Perry Gardner were hoping to gain a place on the European Junior team.

At 15, Cassell is the youngest member of the team and she took part in the 100m butterfly heats yesterday, finishing 35th overall in a time of 1min 04.51secs.

Baister, aged 17, will be taking part in the 1500m freestyle. He has had a taste of a British Swimming selection, competing in Portugal last year in an open water event.

Gardner, 16, was 30th overall yesterday in the 100m backstroke in a time of 58mins 48secs.