Markus Rogan in the Limelight

VIENNA - The first day of the 2004 European championships got underway with local favourite Markus Rogan (AUT) in spectacular form. Rogan won the 200 backstroke in a European record of 1:51.24. In the lead throughout the race he moved into the finish with over a body length advantage over Blaz Medvesek (SLO) in second with 1:52.39, and Evgeny Aleshin (RUS) in third with 1:53.71.

"I thank the crowd for this performance," Rogan said. "They really pushed me on. You don't tire with such support. The record time is the logical outcome."

Later during the finals session Rogan won the 200 individual medley in a championship record of 1:55.15, with Laszlo Cseh (HUN) in second after leading for the first three strokes, finishing in 1:55.36. Vyatutas Janusaitis (LTU) was third in 1:57.45.

"I was worried," Rogan said, "when I fell being Cseh in by best stroke. But with the fantastic support from the fans it was good enough for a win. I feel lucky, Laszlo was not in top shape, and Rosolino, missed the final."

Massimiliano Rosolino (ITA) won the 400 free in 3:39.66, just 7/100th slower thsn his Europesn record from four years ago. Yuri Prilukov (RUS) in second with 3:40.65 and Pawel Korzeniowski (POL) third with a 3:41.36.

"I am pleased with the swim," Rosolino said, "I've been working freestyle and my IM has suffered as a result."

The third men's individual final was another win for perennial short course ace Mark Foster (GBR), It was a comfortable margin with his 21.50 to Mark Veens (NED) in 21.72, just ahead of Eduard Lorente (ESP) in 21.75.

"I couldn't ask for more," Foster said. "Winning the short course World gold as well as the European just over a month apart. I plan to continue for sure until 2006 Commonwealths or even beyond," the 34-year-old said. "As long as I feel a 100% fit I will go on." He hasn't missed the podium in short course since 1993.

Germany won the 4x50 medley relay in 1:35.56 just 1/10th off their world best. Rupprath gave them a huge lead after his 23.34 backstroke leg.

Women's highlights:
Sarah Poewe (GER) won the 50 breaststroke in 31.09, after leading the prelims this morning and in second after the semis held at the start of the finals session at 4:30 pm.

Martina Moravcova (SVK) won the 200 fly with a 2:06.68, in a rare effort in the longer distance, holding off a rapidly closing Mette Jacobsen (DEN) in second with 2:06.99.

"I wanted the finish no matter how," Moravcova said. "I wanted the try the 200 before I stop swimming. It was hard at the finish. I can look forward to a relaxed 100 fly, which has been my best event."

Caterina Giacchetti (ITA) a 16-year-old was third in 2:07.11 a personal best by over a second-and-a-half.

Teresa Rohmann (GER) won the 200 IM in 2:09.40 for a national record, something she has been aiming at for some time. Aleksandra Urbanczyk (POL) was second in 2:10.64, also a national best, and Julie Hjorth-Hansen (DEN) in third.

There were 3,000 paying spectators during the first day's final. The championships continue over the next three days.

RATING SUMMARY OF TOP PERFORMANCES
1)	1007	1:51.24	200 back M	Rogan Markus,82,AUT
2)	1002	1:34.56	4x50 medley M	Germany,GER
3)	997	1:34.94	4d50 medley M	Ukraine,UKR
4)	996	1:55.36	200 im M	Cseh Laszlo,85,HUN
5)	994	3:39.66	400 free M	Rosolino Massi,78,ITA
6)	992	1:52.39	200 back M	Medvesek Blaz,80,SLO
7)	991	2:09.40	200 im W	Rohmann Teresa,87,GER
8)	988	3:40.65	400 free M	Prilukov Yuri,84,RUS
9)	984	2:06.68	200 fly W	Moravcova Martina,76,SVK
10)	983	21.50	50 free W	Foster Mark,70,GBR
11)	983	3:41.36	400 free M	Korzeniowski Pawel,85,POL