Swimming Katy Venters ready to make a big impact

Jun 30 2009 by Mel Booth, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

HUDDERSFIELD swim star Katy Venters insists she is in perfect shape to take the British National Championships by storm, after surpassing expectations at the British Gas Scottish Championships at the weekend.

The 17-year-old from Salendine Nook came ninth and seventh in the 100m and 200m backstroke respectively, in a stellar field that saw Beijing Olympian Gemma Spofforth collect double gold.

Venters has already highlighted her potential by scooping gold at the Commonwealth Youth Games in India last year and was selected for the London 2012 British Swimming talent squad in 2007.

Having arrived in Glasgow in far from peak physical condition, the Borough of Kirklees swimmer is convinced she has what it takes to return to the sub-continent and represent England at the Commonwealth Games proper in Delhi next year.

“Both of my races were extremely competitive so I’m really happy to reach the final in both,” said Venters.

“I had my fingers crossed for a podium position but I was not properly ready for this meet and with such a strong field you have to be at the top of your game.

“I knew it was going to be tough so I just wanted to keep up with them and see if I could swim a fast time – I was pretty close to my personal best in the 100m so I’m happy.