Two Team GB athletes, Kate Shortman and Izzy Thorpe, recently made an unconventional splash to mark their Olympic selection. The 23-year-old artistic swimmers took to the tropical reef tank at the Sea Life London Aquarium, a setting that couldn’t be further from the usual pool or open water training grounds. Shortman and Thorpe, who are aiming to secure Team GB’s first Olympic medal in the sport at Paris 2024, found themselves swimming alongside a variety of marine species, including batfish and unicorn fish.
During their unique aquatic adventure, the duo struck up a friendship with some of the aquarium’s residents, including turtles named ‘Boris’ and ‘Dougie’ in honor of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and McFly bass guitarist, respectively. They also encountered ‘Zebby’ the zebra shark and ‘Football’ the puffer fish, adding to the novelty of their experience as two-time Olympic athletes venturing into uncharted waters, quite literally.
Reflecting on their dive into the reef tank, Shortman admitted, “It’s definitely the most rogue place I’ve ever swam.” Meanwhile, Thorpe confessed to feeling a sense of fear and trepidation initially, stating, “It was kind of terrifying at first. I’m not sure I’ll be volunteering again.” Despite the initial apprehension, both athletes acknowledged the once-in-a-lifetime nature of the experience and the rare opportunity it presented to swim in such a unique environment.
The rigorous training regimen that Shortman and Thorpe adhere to underscores the intense preparation required for their sport. Spending a staggering 40 hours a week at the Bristol South Swimming Pool, the athletes dedicate long hours to honing their craft, with sessions running from 8am to 6pm. In addition to pool time, they engage in gymnastics, yoga, and underwater breath-holding exercises, with Shortman boasting an impressive three-minute breath-hold capability.
Describing the demanding nature of artistic swimming, Shortman emphasized, “I can’t stress how hard the sport is. Because it’s so glamorous, we’ve got our costumes on, it’s a distraction from the fact that this is a really, really hard sport.” Thorpe echoed her sentiment, noting, “We’re supposed to be smiling so you can’t see the pain. The smile is fake.” Despite the physical and mental challenges, the duo’s hard work and dedication have paid off with notable achievements in recent years.
Shortman’s solo bronze at the World Championships in 2023 marked a significant milestone for British artistic swimming. The pair further solidified their credentials by clinching silver and bronze at the World Championships in February, securing their spots at the upcoming Olympics. A test event victory at the Olympic Aquatics Centre in Paris in May further bolstered their confidence and raised expectations for their performance at the Games.
The athletes attribute their rapid ascent in the sport to various factors, including increased National Lottery funding, the guidance of coach Yumiko Tomomatsu, refreshed mindsets, and favorable changes in judging criteria. With their sights set on Olympic gold, Shortman expressed, “Is the ambition to win gold? Absolutely.” She acknowledged that previously, the idea of Olympic gold seemed more like a dream than a realistic goal, but their recent successes have reshaped their aspirations and fueled their determination to reach the pinnacle of their sport.
As preparations for Paris 2024 intensify, Shortman and Thorpe remain focused on their ultimate objective: standing atop the podium and securing Olympic glory. Their journey from the tranquil waters of the Sea Life London Aquarium to the world stage of the Olympic Games embodies the resilience, dedication, and passion that define elite athletes striving for excellence in their chosen discipline. With their unique blend of artistry, athleticism, and unwavering commitment, Shortman and Thorpe are primed to make a splash and leave an indelible mark on the storied history of British artistic swimming.
