JAZZ Carlin set the fastest 800m freestyle time in the world this year as she stormed to gold at the British Gas Swimming Championships this evening.

The 23-year-old former Wootton Bassett School pupil warmed up for this summer's Commonwealth Games by setting a new Welsh record of 8:18.36 in Glasgow to claim the second medal of her British Championships campaign.

Carlin, who won two medals at the 2010 Commonwealths in Dehli, was delighted to notch up a new personal best.

"I was really happy with that and quite surprised," said the Wales ace, who also won a silver medal in the 200m freestyle event last weekend.

"It was a strong time out there and I was racing the clock. I was aiming for an 8:23 and was surprised it was quicker.''

Carlin, who had already been selected for this summer's Commonwealth Games, said: "I really have been training hard through this meet so I'm really surprised. I was feeling a bit heavy and nervous but as soon as I went into the pool I just went for it.

"In the warm-up I was really, really rubbish and I was panicking a bit but as soon as I dived into the pool, you are in a race environment and get a bit excited, and I'm buzzing to come away with that time. I hope to go faster at the Commonwealths.''MORE ON THIS STORY IN THIS THURSDAY'S GAZETTE AND HERALD. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @gazsport