February 22, 2001 9:35: TEENAGE swimmer Simon Burnett was the star of the show at his club's Open Classic Meet at Wycombe Sports Centre last weekend, claiming four wins, two seconds and a third place in the seven events he contested.

The 17-year-old put in an impressive display against some tough opposition at the meet organised by the Wycombe and District Swimming Club. A total of more than 600 swimmers from 64 clubs competed in the event, making it the biggest-ever in its history.

Burnett claimed victories in the 50 metres open, the 100m and 200m backstroke and the 200m individual medley. He then added second places in the 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly to his tally before rounding off a successful three days with third in the 100m freestyle.

Double World Champion Mark Foster was on hand to see some of the swimming when he made an appearance at the meet on Sunday.

Foster, who holds the world record for the short course 50 metres butterfly and freestyle, spent time meeting the young swimmers and signing autographs.

Back in the pool, every open event over the three-day event was won by a junior or senior British international with Caroline Smart (Portsmouth Northsea SC) winning the top female award and her team-mate David Bennett claiming the male equivalent.

The top club award also went to the powerful Portsmouth squad.

The runners-up in the top club points were the hosts Wycombe, with their best performance since they won the Wilkinson Sword in 1987 when the meet was much smaller.

Other Wycombe winners were Richard Townsend (open 200m freestyle), Alex Vine (15/16 years 200m individual medley and 100m butterfly) and Charles Baird (11/12 years 50m breaststroke).

The club also collected three silvers, two coming from Vine and the other claimed by Robert Matthews-Stroud (11/12 years 50m freestyle).

Fifteen-year-old Francesca Wright took three bronze medals at the event for the Wycombe side.