Katy is one of GBDSC's rising young stars, showing remarkable promise and dedication in the pool. At just 16, she's already making waves as a talented long-distance swimmer with a bright future ahead
How and when did you start swimming?
I started swimming when I was very young. My parents always tell me how much I loved being in the water, no matter where we were. We used to live somewhere with a pool, and that’s really where it all began — I learned to swim simply so I wouldn’t sink! What started as just splashing around for fun soon turned into a real love for swimming.
I started swimming when I was very young. My parents always tell me how much I loved being in the water, no matter where we were. We used to live somewhere with a pool, and that’s really where it all began — I learned to swim simply so I wouldn’t sink! What started as just splashing around for fun soon turned into a real love for swimming.
How did you get involved with GBDSC?
My first real connection to Deaf swimming began at an event organised by the National Deaf Children’s Society, where I saw Danielle Joyce proudly wearing her medal. Watching her success really inspired me and sparked my interest in the sport. At that gala, the GBDSC chairman, Jim Joyce, noticed me swimming and asked which club I was part of — but at the time, I wasn’t in one and only swam for fun. That moment was the start of my swimming journey and opened the door to becoming part of the GBDSC community.
My first real connection to Deaf swimming began at an event organised by the National Deaf Children’s Society, where I saw Danielle Joyce proudly wearing her medal. Watching her success really inspired me and sparked my interest in the sport. At that gala, the GBDSC chairman, Jim Joyce, noticed me swimming and asked which club I was part of — but at the time, I wasn’t in one and only swam for fun. That moment was the start of my swimming journey and opened the door to becoming part of the GBDSC community.
Competitions
I’ve been racing for a few years now, and each season has brought new challenges and proud moments. I’ve competed at multiple national events, earning a medal at the English Nationals for the 400m freestyle. Long-distance swimming is where I feel most at home — from the 200m butterfly to the 1500m freestyle — and I’m currently one of the fastest in my region over these distances. This year, I’m incredibly excited to be representing Great Britain at the Deaflympics, which will be an amazing opportunity to race against some of the best athletes in the world and take my swimming to the next level.
I’ve been racing for a few years now, and each season has brought new challenges and proud moments. I’ve competed at multiple national events, earning a medal at the English Nationals for the 400m freestyle. Long-distance swimming is where I feel most at home — from the 200m butterfly to the 1500m freestyle — and I’m currently one of the fastest in my region over these distances. This year, I’m incredibly excited to be representing Great Britain at the Deaflympics, which will be an amazing opportunity to race against some of the best athletes in the world and take my swimming to the next level.
What drives your training?
What I love most about swimming is the way it helps me let go of stress — it’s the one place where I feel completely free and myself. It’s such a fun sport, and over the years it’s become a big part of who I am. I’ve also made amazing friends, not just in my own club but through galas and meets with swimmers from other places too. We all share the same passion, and that connection really keeps me going. Honestly, there isn’t much I don’t enjoy about swimming — maybe just that it means fewer holidays! But even then, I wouldn’t change it for anything.
What I love most about swimming is the way it helps me let go of stress — it’s the one place where I feel completely free and myself. It’s such a fun sport, and over the years it’s become a big part of who I am. I’ve also made amazing friends, not just in my own club but through galas and meets with swimmers from other places too. We all share the same passion, and that connection really keeps me going. Honestly, there isn’t much I don’t enjoy about swimming — maybe just that it means fewer holidays! But even then, I wouldn’t change it for anything.
What events have you qualified for in Tokyo?
All the hard work and training have paid off, and I’m so proud to have qualified for the Tokyo Deaflympics. I’ve achieved qualifying times in the 400m and 200m Individual Medley, 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m Freestyle, as well as the 200m Butterfly and 200m and 50m Backstroke. I may not compete in every one of these events, but just earning the times feels like such an accomplishment. I’m especially excited to travel abroad for the first time to race — and to share the experience with my GBDSC teammates, who’ve become some of my closest friends. It’s going to be an incredible challenge, and I can’t wait to take it on!
All the hard work and training have paid off, and I’m so proud to have qualified for the Tokyo Deaflympics. I’ve achieved qualifying times in the 400m and 200m Individual Medley, 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m Freestyle, as well as the 200m Butterfly and 200m and 50m Backstroke. I may not compete in every one of these events, but just earning the times feels like such an accomplishment. I’m especially excited to travel abroad for the first time to race — and to share the experience with my GBDSC teammates, who’ve become some of my closest friends. It’s going to be an incredible challenge, and I can’t wait to take it on!
Be yourself and don't let anyone pull you down and judge you for doing what you love. Swimming is more than just a sport it is a way of life.
Swimming can be tough, but you have to learn to push through the pain to become the best version of yourself.
Swimming can be tough, but you have to learn to push through the pain to become the best version of yourself.
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