The eight Ealing swimmers who competed at the British Long Course Championships in Sheffield last week had a much better competition than might have been expected.

After a long winter of illness and injury there were fears that they might not have been at the top of their form, but the results showed they had all overcame their setbacks.

Charlie Turner swam a personal best time of 22.66 to claim the silver medal in the 50m freestyle and in doing so set a new record for London, Middlesex and Ealing Swimming Club. Turner also qualified for the final of the 100m freestyle, where he finished fifth.

Natalie Durant produced two personal best performances as well, both in backstroke events where she made the final of the 200m event, finishing sixth in a time of 2.15.42.

Her time in the 100m race of 64.07 was a personal best and beat her own existing regional, county and club record. Durant also made the semi-finals of the 50m freestyle and the 100m freestyle but withdrew from the latter to concentrate on the 200m backstroke.

Chris Jones reached the finals of both the 100m and 200m breaststroke where he finished fifth and fourth respectively. His times of 62.18 and 2.15.52 were both regional, county and club records.

Gina Heyn made the final of the 50m freestyle, where she finished seventh in a time of 26.32 and also competed in the 100m and 200m breaststroke, making the semi-finals of the

100m, and the 100m freestyle where she also gained a place in the semi-final.

Lauren Turner achieved a much improved time in the 100m backstroke of 1.64.95 which makes her the new London region girl's record holder and also swam in the 200m backstroke, the 100m and 200m freestyle - the latter both being personal best times.

Jenna Turner made the semifinals of both the 50m and 100m freestyle.

Also competing were Ella Kirby, who arrived fresh from the English Schools Home International in Swansea and Tariq Miller, who swam a personal best time in the 100m breaststroke.

In other club news, Johnny Wright has been appointed as general manager.

The former club chairman will take on responsibility for the management of the club, and report to the executive committee. An extensive search, involving more than 50 applicants, was conducted.

Chairman Ian Durant said: "The club's tremendous growth has created the need for a dedicated management team to supplement and help co-ordinate the efforts of the many volunteers across the club.

"This appointment, which is a first for a British swimming club, is intended to help deliver improved [structures] for swimmers in west London and a management structure which is sustainable in the long term.

"Ahead of the home Olympics in 2012 there are many opportunities for the club, and Johnny's experience as club chairman and familiarity with our partners will be invaluable."