Duo Aiming for Olympic Medals in Artistic Swimming

In an exciting turn of events for Team GB, artistic swimmers Isabelle Thorpe and Kate Shortman are gearing up for another shot at the Olympics, this time with their sights set firmly on the podium.

The duo made their debut at the Tokyo Olympics, where they finished in 14th place. Since then, they have been training hard and showcasing their skills, even snatching up silver and bronze medals at the World Championships earlier this year. Mark England, Team GB’s chef de mission, hailed them as pioneers for British artistic swimming.

Thorpe and Shortman, born and raised in Bristol, have a strong bond that goes beyond swimming. They’ve been performing together since childhood and describe each other as sisters. With matching blonde hair, tattoos, and almost telepathic routines, it’s no wonder they gel so well in the water.

The duo trains rigorously, combining techniques from yoga, weights, dance, and even specialized apnea training to hold their breath underwater for an impressive three minutes. This hard work is essential in a sport where every second counts during routines.

Despite the dominance of artistic swimming teams from countries like China and Russia, the British pair remains optimistic about their chances. Thorpe’s mom, Karen, a former artistic swimmer herself, believes in their potential and success. The duo also has to balance jobs and university on top of their intense training, showcasing their dedication.

As they prepare for Paris 2024, they’ve started working with a Japanese coach who has been teaching them valuable life lessons, alongside their artistic techniques. Aiming for gold might seem like a tall order, but their determination and passion continue to drive them forward.

When reflecting on their journey and aspirations, Thorpe emphasized that winning a medal would not only mean everything for her and Shortman but also uplift the entire artistic swimming community in the UK.

With every training session leading up to the games, the duo is committed to leaving everything in the pool, showcasing their best efforts. They’re excited about the opportunity to perform in front of friends and family, creating a lively atmosphere in the new Olympic Aquatic Centre.

Since their 14th place finish in Tokyo, Thorpe and Shortman are entering Paris with a newfound confidence, especially after their impressive performances leading up to the Olympics. Their success in recent competitions has propelled them into the spotlight, and they aim to inspire the next generation.

As they take to the water for their free and technical routines, everyone will be eagerly watching to see if this talented pair can make history for British artistic swimming.