Swim England Artistic Swimming

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Senior duet set sights on international progress in 2018

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 World Championships in July, scoring a PB 82.5667 to finish 16th in the Duet.

Shortman also reached the final of the Free Solo, finishing 12th. At 15, she was the youngest competitor in the final.

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.

Shortman and Thorpe 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.

The English pair have also enjoyed the advice and coaching of Olympic medallists Andrea Fuentes, Anastasia Ermakova and Virginie Dedieu in recent months.

Duet have so much more to give in 2018

“We are really excited to be working our choreography with Stefania again this year, and working with Paola on the technical details,” said Shortman.

“We are both really excited about 2018 and proving that we have so much more to give.”

Thorpe added: “We have already choreographed the new tech duet and will be starting on the free in December. The free duet will be a very exciting challenge as it is really different.

“We have been working with different coaches to learn as many new skills as we can.

“We have come out of the domestic competition programme this side of Christmas to focus on the new elements.”

More land and dance-based hours

Shortman and Thorpe are likely to start their season at the French Open in March.

And Speroni insists some significant changes to their programme will help continue their progress on the international stage.

“The duet are learning some new skills,” said Speroni. “We have changed their programme to include more land and dance-based hours.

“This will transfer into their new routine and give them the edge.”

Basso added: “Kate and Isabelle are two unique young women.

“They are strong physically and mentally. They have a high skill level but understand they can learn much more.”

The Brits will also aim to compete in the Team events at both the European Senior and Junior Championships.

Swim England Synchro Talent selected training squads for both senior and junior teams in October.

Head to the Swim England Synchro Talent page to view a full list of the athletes selected.

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