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Kate Shortman and Isabelle Thorpe chosen as Olympic synchro duet for Team GB

Kate Shortman and Isabelle Thorpe have been officially selected as the Team GB synchronised swimming duet bidding to qualify for next year’s Olympic Games.

The have been working as a pair for the last eight years and have impressed in the past 12 months with their continuously improving displays.

Now they will be aiming to win a place at Tokyo 2020 which would be the biggest competition of their careers so far.

Russia and Ukraine have already secured their place at the Olympics following the LEN European Cup.

But the duet have another chance to book their ticket to Tokyo when the Olympic Qualification Tournament takes place next April, when a further seven spots will be up for grabs.

Paola Basso, the duet’s coach, said work will begin on a new routine for Shortman and Thorpe once the current season finishes.

Good results so far

She said: “I have been working with the duet for 18 months and they have developed in their strength considerably.

“They are showing good results so far this season and we will choreograph a new free routine the end off the summer ready for the start of the new qualification season.

“It is a great time to announce the selection as we have just returned from St Petersburg after competing at the LEN European Cup, the first leg of qualification, where Russia and Ukraine both sealed their spots at the Olympic Games.”

Maria Ramos, chairperson of the Synchronised Swimming Leadership Team, said: “We are delighted to announce that Kate and Isabelle have been officially selected as the athletes who will represent Great Britain for the opportunity to qualify for the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020.

“Our young duet have been working hard since they started swimming together in 2011 for this opportunity.

“We have been following their journey since that time and we offer them our support as they train and compete for a place at the Olympic Games.”

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