David Davies swam the fourth-fastest time in 1,500m history

Olympic swimmer David Davies was happy to silence some doubters as the Welshman swam to the 1,500m freestyle crown at the British Championships.

The Welshman secured a comfortable win over Richard Charlesworth in Sheffield after setting a new British 400m freestyle record earlier in the week.

"People said I was only suited to the open water and I didn't have a future in pool swimming," he said.

Thomas Haffield also set a new British record in the 400m individual medley.

The Neath swimmer's time of 4:12.39 beat Lewis Smith into second place by almost two seconds - and also lowered his own own previous best.

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Fellow Welsh team-mate Davies eased to victory at Ponds Forge to comfortably retain his 1,500m title but could not maintain his early British record pace to finish in 14:52.41, 15 seconds ahead of Charlesworth.

The 24-year-old was distraught at finishing sixth in Beijing before recovering to claim the 10km open water silver medal.

Davies also took third in the British Championships's 200m race.

"A 1:47 (200m) and a 3:45 for the 400 shows I'm not bad," said Davies.

"A 14:52 at this stage of the year, having not done all the training, is not half bad. I'll take it for now."

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