Perth swimmer Katherine Bailey reflects on medal-winning success and looks to bright future

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Katherine Bailey will soon - if not already - be requiring an extension to the home trophy cabinet.The Perth City Swim Club member from Auchterarder has enjoyed a productive month in the fast lane and shows no sign of slowing down.A strong showing at the British Championships in April was then followed up by a medal-winning performance at the Scottish National Age Group Championships.The 17-year-old, who turns 18 on Saturday, is still reflecting with a smile on winning gold in the 400 free, 800 free, 1500 free, 200 fly and the 400IM at Tollcross International Swimming Centre in Glasgow.It was confidence-boosting evidence that the hours of hard work on a weekly basis are paving the path to success.“I was quite ill after a meet in March and that put me off track a little,” Katherine told the PA this week.“But I trained hard into April and then got a bit of a shock at the British Championships.“I had not had a personal best (PB) in distance races for almost two years.“In one of the heats, I think I managed to get a five second personal best and then got another in the final.“It was unexpected and put me on track for the following week at the Scottish National Age Group Championships.“There, I managed to become national champ five times and also won a silver.

I think it was down to confidence.“The distance events are a long way and sometimes one knock to the confidence leaves you with no chance.“I went into the 1500m on the first day of SNAGS and took 10 seconds off my personal best.“I’d actually never won a national gold before.

The most I had previously won at the Scottish Nationals was two bronze.“There was fierce competition too and that pushed me along.