F-Teamer Katie Matts Excels at World Juniors

Katie Matts strikes a pose in her Funkitas

12 Funkita and Funky Trunks F-Teamers competed at the FINA Junior World Swimming Championships in Singapore with Katie Matts' performance a stand out, winning two bronze medals in the 50m and 100m breaststroke.

The World Junior Championships was Katie's first major international team event but the rookie did not let inexperience slow her down as she excelled for Great Britain. Showing star potential Katie was able to absorb the pressure of high level competition to swim personal bests in world class times. Ultimately finishing on the podium against the best young athletes on the globe.

"I was pleased with my performances overall, the experience will stand my in good stead for the future and will drive me on to achieve my ambition of making the Olympic team and pushing for a medal at Tokyo 2020," Katie said.

Katie had a busy lead up to the event, winning the 100m and 200m breaststroke at the British Summer Nationals in the 17/18 year old age group. The competition is one of the major meets on the British swimming calendar but Katie did not slow down her training for the event.

"Instead of tapering and staying with the team, I travelled on a daily basis between Manchester (home), Stockport (training) and Sheffield (competition). I was in full training during the competition, training in the morning before leaving for Sheffield and training between the heats and finals."

Showing off her medals. Congratulations Katie!

Katie's dedication and commitment to her swimming is paying off. With a 100m breaststroke time now under the 1.08 mark, Katie is in contention for a spot on the open team and she has her eye on the next goal, the Olympics. The focus for Katie will be on the British Olympic Trials in March 2015.

"I will be trying to make the team for the European Championships in London 2016 and gain the qualifying time for Rio 2016."

The 17-year-old is quickly climbing the world rankings in breaststroke and is an F-Teamer to keep your eye on for the upcoming Olympic year!