Without a lot of the top swimmers who are preparing for the European Championships next week in Antwerp, the Dutch Short Course Nationals were a play ground for the talented youngsters. Especially the swimmers from the new pro swim team in Amsterdam took advantage of the absence of stars like Pieter van den Hoogenband and Inge de Bruijn. Inky will only compete on the 100 fly on Saturday.

17-years old Hinkelien Schreuder won the 100m backstroke easily in a personal best time (30.43; 1:01.96), just above the National Record. She silvered her 200m IM (2:15.83), an event on which she will start at the EC next week. She was out-touched by her former team-mate Ilse Kevelham (2:15.68). Chantal Groot is back at her old level after joining the team in Amsterdam; with 25.26 at her 50 freestyle she qualified for the Worlds in Moscow next April.

Philips-swimmer Klaas-Erik Zwering is back from an injury, he was the only swimmer below the 55 at the 100m backstroke (54.94). As a candidate for the European gold medal at the 4x50m freestyle, The Netherlands must have a few good sprinters. Only one was present at these Nationals, TZA-swimmer Johan Kenkhuis. He swam a decent 22.28 on the 50m free, an event on which he wants to final in Antwerp. Sprinter Mark Veens is still suffering from an injury and won't compete in the relay in Antwerp. Also swimming for the profesional swim team in Amsterdam is Robin van Aggele. His goal this year are the European Youth Championships. His progression was the most impressive on this first day of the Nationals, a Dutch National Junior record was his reward at the 200m IM. With his 2:03.08 he also send all seniors home and gained the overall gold.