National Swimming Championships last night.

Dismissing the dreary weather, Sweetham found strength in the screams of an encouraging crowd to set a pair of records.

Her first target was the women's 400 metres individual medley and she wasted little time obliterating the record despite never being challenged.

A 1994 Commonwealth Games medallist, Sweetham showed the form and grace of an experienced champion on her way to victory, clocking four minutes, 56.10 seconds, more than 10 seconds faster than the previous best -- 5:06.79 by Katie Ryan of the United States set in 1992. Her time far eclipsed the Bermuda record of 5:21.71 held by Jenny Smatt.

Second place finisher Cassidy Maxwell (5:12.93) of Florida's Brevard Swim Club also bettered Smatt's mark, with team-mate Kelly Pancake (5:29.52) third.

Next for the Canadian was the 50 metres butterfly and again she was able to set a new allcomers' mark, her 30:13 far short of her personal best but still better than the 30.26 posted by Michele Maximo back in 1980.

Others to impress on the first day of the three-day championships included frequent American visitor Todd Pace, 26.52 in the 50 butterfly, and Mike Cash, whose 27.83 in the same discipline was a personal best. Alicia Mullen lowered her top time by five seconds, managing 9:57.45 in the 800 metres freestyle.