It’s been a hectic time for members of Great Britain’s women’s water polo squad since their inspired performances at the European Championships earned progress to the World Championships in Qatar next month.
The gap between the close of the European event and flying out to Doha on 1 February was just 19 days. So there was much to deal with after returning from Eindhoven – not least, in some cases, a matter of starting a new working week by asking the boss for unscheduled leave!
Katie Brown (nee Hesketh) and Brooke Tafazolli, GB team mates but rivals on BWPL weekends on behalf of Liverpool and Manchester, are two of the four squad members with full-time jobs – Katie, aged 29, is a Birmingham University lecturer and 28-year-old Brooke a solicitor with the legal firm Tinklin Springall.
Happily, both will now be heading for Doha, hugely appreciative of the backing of supportive employers – and the fact that British Swimming moved quickly in immediately giving the trip the green light.
GB’s success – back on the sport’s world stage for the first time in more than a decade – has been a cause for much celebration. “The amount of messages of congratulations that we received has been unreal – from outside as well as within the sport,” says Katie. “All the junior girls at my club were watching the games and getting in touch.”
Several members of the GB squad are currently based professionally with overseas clubs. As far as Katie and Brooke are concerned, they’re proud to have built their international careers based on experience in BWPL.
“Thanks to Eindhoven, GB are now guaranteed entry to the next European Championships in two years’ time without the need to qualify,” said Brooke. “That’s a great incentive for us to keep training. And, importantly, it gives the country’s best young players something to aim for.”
Photo: Katie (left) and Brooke in celebratory mood after the triumph in Eindhoven.
The gap between the close of the European event and flying out to Doha on 1 February was just 19 days. So there was much to deal with after returning from Eindhoven – not least, in some cases, a matter of starting a new working week by asking the boss for unscheduled leave!
Katie Brown (nee Hesketh) and Brooke Tafazolli, GB team mates but rivals on BWPL weekends on behalf of Liverpool and Manchester, are two of the four squad members with full-time jobs – Katie, aged 29, is a Birmingham University lecturer and 28-year-old Brooke a solicitor with the legal firm Tinklin Springall.
Happily, both will now be heading for Doha, hugely appreciative of the backing of supportive employers – and the fact that British Swimming moved quickly in immediately giving the trip the green light.
GB’s success – back on the sport’s world stage for the first time in more than a decade – has been a cause for much celebration. “The amount of messages of congratulations that we received has been unreal – from outside as well as within the sport,” says Katie. “All the junior girls at my club were watching the games and getting in touch.”
Several members of the GB squad are currently based professionally with overseas clubs. As far as Katie and Brooke are concerned, they’re proud to have built their international careers based on experience in BWPL.
“Thanks to Eindhoven, GB are now guaranteed entry to the next European Championships in two years’ time without the need to qualify,” said Brooke. “That’s a great incentive for us to keep training. And, importantly, it gives the country’s best young players something to aim for.”
Photo: Katie (left) and Brooke in celebratory mood after the triumph in Eindhoven.
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