Two Team GB athletes, Kate Shortman and Izzy Thorpe, have recently been selected to represent their country at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics in artistic swimming. The pair, both 23 years old, are aiming to secure Team GB’s first-ever medal in the sport. To kick off their Olympic journey, Shortman and Thorpe had a unique experience swimming with marine life at the Sea Life London Aquarium, including a turtle named after Boris Johnson.
Reflecting on the experience, Shortman admitted, “It’s definitely the most rogue place I’ve ever swam.” The athletes encountered a variety of species, such as batfish and unicorn fish, during their swim. They also made friends with turtles named ‘Boris’ and ‘Dougie’, as well as other marine creatures like ‘Zebby’ the zebra shark and ‘Football’ the puffer fish. This unconventional training session provided a memorable and one-of-a-kind experience for the dedicated athletes.
Despite their impressive accomplishments and Olympic aspirations, Shortman and Thorpe face gruelling training schedules as they prepare for the Games. They dedicate 40 hours a week to training at Bristol South Swimming Pool, starting their days at 8am and continuing until 6pm. Additionally, they engage in video analysis work to identify and correct mistakes for future sessions. The athletes participate in various forms of training, including gymnastics, yoga, and breath-holding exercises, with Shortman boasting an impressive ability to hold her breath underwater for three minutes.
Both Shortman and Thorpe are part of UK Sport’s National Lottery-funded World Class Programme, which supports over 1,000 elite athletes in their training and development. This program allows them to train full-time, access top coaches, and receive cutting-edge medical support. Despite the demanding nature of their sport, the athletes acknowledge the challenges they face. Shortman emphasized, “I can’t stress how hard the sport is,” while Thorpe added, “We’re supposed to be smiling so you can’t see the pain. The smile is fake.”
The dynamic duo has garnered attention with their exceptional performances in recent competitions. Shortman made history by winning Britain’s first-ever medal at the World Championships with a solo bronze in 2023. Together, Shortman and Thorpe secured silver and bronze at the most recent Worlds, earning them a spot at the Olympics. Their success continued as they clinched victory at the Test Event held at the Olympic Aquatics Centre in Paris, further solidifying their potential for success at the Games.
The athletes attribute their rapid rise to success to various factors, including increased National Lottery funding, the guidance of their coach Yumiko Tomomatsu, and favorable changes in judging criteria. With their sights set on gold, Shortman expressed their ambition, stating, “Is the ambition to win gold? Absolutely!” The pair now have their sights set on achieving Olympic glory and making history for Team GB in artistic swimming.
National Lottery players play a crucial role in funding sports initiatives, contributing over £30 million per week to support athletes at all levels, from grassroots to elite. This funding plays a significant role in enabling athletes like Shortman and Thorpe to pursue their Olympic dreams and represent their country on the world stage. Through their dedication, talent, and unwavering determination, these athletes embody the spirit of Team GB and inspire future generations to pursue their own athletic aspirations.
