No pool, no problem for Katie Pake

Young Katie Pake, who attends Auchmuty HS, has created an inventive way of managing to keep her swimming practice going while on lockdown.

Katie, who swims with Carnegie Swimming Club and is a member of Disability Sport Fife, turned heads online after a clip of her ‘swimming on the spot’ in a deep paddling pool, and with the held of a harness, was posted.

Richard Brickley OBE MBE, chairman of DSF, hailed Katie and all the group’s athletes for the efforts they’ve been making to stay fit in lockdown.

Mr Brickley said: “Disability Sport Fife is so proud of all the ideas and images that our younger members and their parents have created during lock down.

“So varied, so challenging and so appropriate.

“Katie joins in every Tuesday and Thursday with Pamela Robson for the junior athletes zoom fitness session, as well as pursuing her own bespoke swimming programme.

“Well done to parents Grant and Carol the exceptional support you provide for this talented young para swimmer.”

At Carnegie Swimming Club, Katie couldn’t be in better hands, being coached by Stefan Hoggan, a long time DSF member, who excelled during his career in para swimming and para triathlon.

Mr Brickley added: “Lock down is really challenging for all young highly motivated sports people but it must be a nightmare for the many young swimmers who have no access to water. The Pake family has created an appropriate alternative during this fine weather.”