The British Olympic Association (BOA) and British Swimming confirmed that artistic swimmers Kate Shortman and Isabelle Thorpe will be supported by Olympic Solidarity grants for the current cycle up to and including Tokyo 2020, as well as hopefuls across the Olympic sporting network.
Shortman made her senior and junior European Championship debuts in 2016, where she finished eighth as the youngest member of the British team in both the Tech Team and Free Team events. Shortman competed at her first European Championships in 2016, finishing eighth, before making her World Championship debut in 2017.
Thorpe built a fine record at national age group level, winning team gold for five consecutive years between 2011 and 2015 and duet gold alongside Kate Shortman for five straight championships between 2012 and 2016. Competing with Shortman again, the pair impressed at both the 2016 European Junior Championships and 2017 World Championships.
The IOC’s Olympic Solidarity plan is in place to assist elite athletes in their preparation and qualification for Tokyo 2020 helping with vital grants and can support with aspects such as training facilities, medical and scientific assistance.
Working closely with its members the BOA selected athletes who it felt the $400 per month bursary would prove to be most beneficial to their day-to-day training, with the scholarships operational until August 31, 2020.
Mark England, Tokyo 2020 Chef de Mission: “The primary role of the British Olympic Association is to take a team to the Olympic Games and Tokyo 2020 is now our absolute focus. Olympic Solidarity plays an important role in allowing us to help competitive athletes and their sports create opportunities where otherwise they might not exist.
“As a member body it is vital for the BOA to support the British Olympic governing bodies in any way it can to help deliver important grants to its athletes, so they might realise their Olympic dreams. The IOC’s Olympic Solidarity provides monthly grants, which can be put towards important training requirements and helps these athletes in the ever-competitive elite sporting environment.”The athletes and their sports are as follows:
William BOSI (Sport Climbing)
James-Andrew DAVIS (Fencing)
Paul DRINKHALL (Table Tennis)
Charlotte HOPE (Karate)
Chris LANGRIDGE (Badminton)
Liam PITCHFORD (Table Tennis)
Bryony PITMAN (Archery)
Kate SHORTMAN (Artistic swimming)
Isabelle THORPE (Artistic swimming)