A third breaststroke gold medal proved to be beyond Ollie Taverner this evening, but the talented North Watford athlete swam faster than ever before over the 200m version of the stroke in the 15 years final at the British Summer Championships.

Having achieved a golden double by winning the 100m and then producing a British age group record to take the 50m breaststroke crown as well, the former Queens’ School pupil told the Watford Observer yesterday that he was hoping to achieve the treble at Ponds Forge in Sheffield.

But the 15-year-old, who now attends Mount Kelly Swimming School in Devon, knew he faced a battle to even medal after finishing sixth in this morning’s heats in 2.27.84, with the top three qualifiers coming home three seconds faster.

Taverner improved on that time in the final by more than two seconds to achieve a new personal best of 2.25.55 and finish fourth, but he was some distance off the podium with his nearest rival finishing almost two seconds ahead.

As well as winning two national titles, the Watford Swimming Club member has reached the final of every event he has competed in so far this week, although he passed up the opportunity to compete in the conclusion to the 100m backstroke competition yesterday to concentrate on the 50m breaststroke.

And Taverner will be aiming to reach more finals this weekend as he is due to take part in the 200m individual medley tomorrow, as well as the 4x100m medley relay and 200m backstroke on Sunday.