Bermuda?s veteran swimmers have enjoyed a flying start at the All Americas Masters Championships in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Forty year-old Lesley Balcombe nailed the Island team?s first gold medal when she won the 400 metres Individual Medley in a time of six minutes, 37.94 seconds.

And in the 35-39 age group of the same event, Annette Budge picked up silver while 61-year-old Margaret Marshall placed fourth in her age group.

Colleen Nelson, 56, then added a second gold for Bermuda in the 800 metres freestyle, slashing 21 seconds off her previous best time to clock a new meet record of 12:42.45. Bermuda?s Sue Pitt, 59, placed seventh in the same event.

Paul de Giulo gave Bermuda yet another gold when he touched home in 10.30.82 to win the men?s 800 metres freestyle 45-49 age group.

Chris Smith, 73, placed second over the same distance in the 70-74 age group while Ian Maule bettered his previous best time to place fourth in the 40-44 age group.