Caitlin Hatfield: One race, one record and one dream at a time

When Caitlin Hatfield steps onto the starting blocks, her focus is absolute. “I love racing,” she says with a smile.

“When someone’s behind me, I just look forward and push myself. I feel happy, I feel proud and I want to make my mum proud too.”

For Caitlin, a talented swimmer with Down syndrome, the pool has always been more than just a place to train. It’s where she found her confidence, her drive to compete and her community.

From her early lessons with Winchester City Penguins to smashing two world records in relays at the World Down Syndrome Championships in Turkey, Caitlin has turned her love of swimming into a life filled with opportunities.

Her proudest memory? Anchoring the 4 x 200m Freestyle relay that stormed to first place and a world record. “I was on the last leg,” she recalls. “Touching the wall first, that was amazing. I’ll never forget it.”

A family effort

Behind every swimmer is a strong support team – and for Caitlin, that includes her mum, Liz. A GP by profession and a Masters swimmer herself, Liz has been there every step of the way, from club lessons to international competition.

“Before Caitlin was born, we didn’t know she had Down syndrome, so it was initially quite a shock”, Liz explains. “If someone had told me then that she’d go on to swim for Great Britain, I’d have bitten their hand off. The journey so far has been incredible.”

Liz’s role goes far beyond that of a spectator. She is heavily involved in Winchester City Penguins, helping run meets, supporting coaches and making sure Caitlin has every opportunity to thrive.

“It takes a lot of time, but I love it,” she admits. “I still get so nervous when Caitlin races, probably more nervous than she is!”

Breaking down barriers

But the Hatfields also know the challenges that come with being a swimmer with Down syndrome. Liz has had to push for Caitlin to be included in competitive squads, and she believes more can be done to support swimmers with Down syndrome across the country.

“There are so many talented athletes out there,” she says. “We need to give them the same opportunities to showcase their abilities. National recognition makes a huge difference; it shows clubs that these swimmers have a real place in the sport.”

Swim England shares that vision. Through its Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, Swim England has committed to supporting disabled swimmers who cannot easily compete under existing international classifications. This includes athletes with Down syndrome, deaf swimmers and those who have received a transplant, ensuring that their talents are recognised and celebrated on the same stage.

Inspiring the next generation

Whether it’s chatting with Adam Peaty on a Zoom call, training through family holidays, or dreaming of the Paralympic stage, Caitlin’s journey is fuelled by passion and perseverance.

Her message to others thinking about trying swimming is simple but powerful: “Go for it. Be proud of yourself. Believe in yourself – you can achieve great things.”

And with her family and her teammates behind her, Caitlin is proving exactly that. One race, one record and one dream at a time.