Athletics: Smith and Gilchrist seek express ticket to Shanghai

Warrender's Lewis Smith and Edinburgh's Kris Gilchrist will both be chasing selection for the swimming World Championships in Shanghai in August when the British Gas Championships start today in Manchester.

Smith will have to wait until the final session next Saturday before trying to claim his place in the 400 metres individual medley, but Gilchrist will be in action this weekend when he defends the 100m breaststroke title.

After spending time in France after the 2008 Olympics, 28-year-old Gilchrist is now training in Bath alongside his old City of Edinburgh colleague, Michael Jamieson, who will be defending the 200m breaststroke on Thursday. Smith, 22, made his World Championship debut in Rome two years ago and his big goal is to make the Olympics in London next year.

"My brother (Taylor) is in Shanghai and I know it will be great to swim out there in the new pool," said Smith, who trains and studies at Stirling University. "I was pleased with the way I swam at the Scottish Championships and now this is the first big test of the year."

Hannah Miley and Robbie Renwick, Scotland's two Commonwealth Games Champions, head the tartan contingent.

City of Glasgow's Renwick is first in action in today's 400m freestyle. Miley will be chasing a medley double in the 200m and 400m.