WITH the flag of St George being raised to Land of Hope and Glory and a big crowd cheering her on, Katy Venters could be excused for shedding a few tears of joy.
Not only did the 17-year-old Borough of Kirklees swimmer take gold in the Youth Commonwealth Games in India, but she underlined her potential as a member of the 2012 Olympic Elite train-on squad with a record winning time in the 200m backstroke.
It was one of three personal bests in as many finals for the Greenhead student from Salendine Nook – a terrific performance in the biggest meet of her career – and she also returned from Pune with a squad bronze from the medley relay, although she didn’t swim in the final having helped England qualify.
“The medal ceremony was really emotional because I hadn’t expected to win,” said Katy, who was honoured to be chosen to walk behind the English flag at the closing ceremony.
“To be honest, the tears were a bit embarrassing but I was just so surprised to take the gold medal and it was the best feeling in the world.
“I was just really, really happy and proud and I rang my mum and dad straight away to tell them about it because the presentation came pretty quickly after the final.
“Once we’d finished we had to go and wait for the presentation and then they marched us along the pool side and there was a really big crowd who were all cheering.
“I’d never been in front of so many people before and once I got on the podium and got my medal, they played the national anthem and it was really good.”
Having finished sixth in the finals of the 50m and 100m backstroke in personal best times of 31.43 and 1-04.97, Katy beat Northern Ireland’s Chelsey Wilson and Australia’s Bridgette Taylor in the 200m in a Games record of 2-15.06.
“I wasn’t expecting to swim so fast this early in the season and I got a real confidence boost from the 100m to take into the 200,” she explained.
“I went in as the second-fastest qualifier and was quite a way back from the girl who was quickest.
“But I could see the two girls who were alongside me when we were swimming and I realised at about half way that I was in front.
“I just kept going from there and I couldn’t believe that I’d won even after I touched. I had to look at the results board about five times before it sank in and it was a fantastic feeling!”
Within hours of returning home on Monday, Katy was back in the pool at the Galpharm Stadium because she’s got the North East Championships coming up next month.
“I couldn’t have asked for more than to swim PBs for 50, 100 and 200 in India and I was really, really happy with myself,” she added.
“The whole Games was a terrific experience because the hosts made a really big effort to make everyone feel welcome and they looked after us very well – although I’m looking forward to some more normal food after two weeks of curry!
“It was fantastic to see Abi Haywood get a bronze in her event (the pole vault) and it was brilliant for two of us from Huddersfield to be there.
“From my point of view, it was my first major international meet and it was not only a great experience – one I enjoyed even without the races – but to do so well has given me a real boost in confidence for the future.
“After the North East event, there aren’t any top meets until April but I’ll still be training and I definitely want to be involved in big internationals further down the line, so fingers crossed.”
