British senior duet Kate Shortman and Isabelle Thorpe have set their sights on international success in 2018 after an impressive maiden senior season.
The teenage duo competed at their debut FINA World Aquatics Championships in the summer and achieved an overall ranking of 16th.
At same event in Budapest, Shortman also reached the final of the Free Solo, finishing 12th; at the age of just fifteen she was the youngest athlete in the competition.
Their rapid progress saw them each receive an Olympic Solidarity Grant from the BOA for 2018.
The pair have now turned their attention to next year’s European Championships in Glasgow as well as both the World Junior and European Junior Championships.
The pair will be swimming new technical and free routines in 2018, having worked with regular coaches Stefania Speroni and Paola Basso on choreography and technical elements.
“In our maiden season we competed in the World Championships in July, scoring a PB 82.5667 to finish 16th in the Duet which was a great and hugely beneficial experience.
“I [Shortman] also reached the final of the Free Solo, finishing 12th and was the youngest competitor in the final at just 15, it was nice to be competing against the best in the world.
“In 2018 we are now looking forward to the European Championships in Glasgow as well as both the World Junior and European Junior Championships.
“We will be swimming new technical and free routines, having worked with regular coaches Stefania Speroni and Paola Basso on choreography and technical elements.”