Kate Shortman reaches World Championship final in Hungary

Kate Shortman underlined her huge potential by reaching the Solo Free final on her World Championship debut in Budapest, Hungary.

The City of Bristol swimmer scored 83.4667 for her routine, sealing the 12th and last qualification spot for Wednesday’s final.

The 15-year old was the youngest competitor in the 32-strong field and one of just two entries born in 2001.

But Shortman showed maturity beyond her years as she impressed the judges with her passionate routine to Joe Cocker’s ‘Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word’.

Shortman sails past previous best score

She smashed her previous best score for the routine, having crept past 80 points with 80.0333 to finish ninth at last month’s European Junior Championships in Belgrade.

The result sees Shortman become the first British synchronised swimmer to qualify for a World Championship final since 2013.

The teenager made her senior European debut in London 12 months ago, finishing eighth in the Team Tech and Team Free routines.

She will also compete in the Duet Free in Budapest, teaming up with Isabelle Thorpe in tomorrow’s prelim.

The pair won the national title in Nottingham earlier this season, and finished 10th at last month’s European Junior Championship.

• Click here to view full results from the 2017 World Championships.