Jess and Katie’s have both been swimming in and around Salford for as long as they can remember. Their stories may have begun in different pools and taken them to different places, but both paths have led them to the same pool deck, training with City of Salford Swimming Club, today.
Jess first dipped her toes into the sport at Irlam, starting out in parent-and-child lessons, while Katie’s earliest swimming experiences were at Clarendon, where she was taken by her mum. By the age of four, both girls had joined SCL swimming lessons, before progressing to the Academy programme at around seven or eight years old. Since then, neither has looked back.
The girls’ commitment has seen them compete at national and international level, with some unforgettable highlights.
In July 2025, Jess travelled to China to take part in the prestigious Wuhan Open Water Festival. The event featured internation swimmers from Russia, Italy, and across the globe, as well as a huge field from China. Racers included swimmers of the highest level; even former Olympians. Against tough competition and battling strong river currents in sweltering 37°C heat, Jess placed an impressive 5th overall in the iconic Yangtze River Crossing. She finished as the top international swimmer, earning £600 in prize money and an invitation to return next year.
“It was such an incredible experience,” said Jess. “I’d never raced in a river before, so I had to adapt quickly. The current was strong, but I really enjoyed the challenge. The whole trip was amazing! It was great to try new foods and experience a completely different culture. I felt like a celebrity! People kept coming over for selfies, which was a bit surreal!”
Her mum Michelle, who accompanied the two Salford swimmers on the trip added:
It was a fabulous experience. Something neither of them will ever forget.
Katie’s swimming has also taken her to far corners of the globe. In 2023 she swam for Team England in the ISF World School Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The games were a successful trip for Katie, who returned home with three gold medals and a silver. But, it wasn’t only her achievements in the pool that left a lasting impression.
“It was absolutely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said. “Just getting to see it all and experience the culture! We even had time for sightseeing at the end; the beaches, Christ the Redeemer, all of it. It was amazing”
Katie also competed at the 2023 European Junior Open Water Championships in Corfu, while Jess had further success securing a podium finish at the 2024 Open Water Nationals in Rother Valley, where she placed 3rd in her category.
More recently, Katie has begun to step away from the longest distances to focus on individual medley (IM) events in the pool. Both she and Katie remain British National qualifiers, a testament to their hard work and resilience.
Katie reflected on what swimming has given her:
The biggest thing is the friendships. The team is amazing. It’s great knowing that you have people who are there for you, who will support you and understand what you’re doing! I know that some of the friends I have made through swimming will be friends that will stay with me for life!
The mums agree:
“The girls have built an incredible support network, and they’re so close. And it’s not just the girls that get on. All the parents have become friends too! Lots of us are on the committee or volunteer at trips or events. This club is so special; it really feels like a family.”
Katie has big ambitions for the future:
I want to qualify for the European Juniors, and I’m on the longlist for the Commonwealth Games.
But it’s not just in the pool, that this ambitious, young swimmer has high hopes.
“I’d also like to study Paramedic Science at Swansea Uni — and keep swimming alongside my studies. They have really good facilities there and the perfect course for my studies too, so I’m focusing on that.”
Jess is equally determined:
“I want to keep swimming when I go to uni, wherever I end up. This season I’m aiming to qualify for Nationals again and it would be great to set some new PBs.”
All athletes are known for their race day rituals and pregame superstitions, and these Salford superstars are no exception. Both girls have their own unique ways of preparing for competition:
As for pre-race fuel…. The girls look a bit sheepish when I ask about this. “Don’t tell John but…” they tell me, with a smile, before they reveal all. Katie swears by chocolate hoops, while Katie opts for Nutella waffles.
Their hype tracks? Macklemore’s Can’t Hold Us for Katie while Jess opts for anything upbeat to set the tone for a positive race.
From local lessons to global competition, Jess and Katie’s journeys show the power of dedication, resilience, and hard work. With their talent, team spirit, and ambitions for the future, the next chapter of their swimming journey promises to be just as exciting.
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