Search
shop

Kat Matthews gets rave reviews for bike, but swim is improving too

British star is improving in the water too as training volume increases to over 80km each month
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

When Kat Matthews romped to that impressive Lanzarote win last weekend it was her bike power which drew most praise, but don’t sleep on the way she is improving her swim.

The British star showed she can be a contender for glory at the delayed 2021 IRONMAN World Championship on May 7 by notching a comprehensive victory over reigning champion Anne Haug last Saturday.

Haug was gushing in her praise for Kat in the aftermath of that race, admitting she’d had a demonstration of how to ride a bike.

Advertisement

Swim is improving

Matthews though has been looking to improve all areas of her performance – including the swim. While earlier in the week she joked that progress in the water is sometimes hard to see, she later admitted that things are definitely heading in the right direction.

Writing on Instagram, she detailed how her improvement on the opening discipline was earned, and how it is manifesting.

Kat Matthews relaxing
Kat Matthews BMC Pro Triathlon Team 2022 (Photo Credit: James Mitchell)

“The last few months I’ve had the privilege of training with the British Triathlon Bath Uni Performance Squad. I’ve committed to making as many sessions as I can that fit with my other training commitments.

“Blair Cartmell has really changed my mentality on 5km sets, I actually find it “easy” to get through them and sometimes even enjoy them on my own!

“My swim has noticeably improved with nearly double the volume I used to do last year. I’m finding satisfaction in finishing a session and having the stroke composure to work until the last length not just start counting down and doubting myself after just 1500m! I set 80km as a monthly target in November and I’ve been exceeding it every month.”

Lanzarote the acid test

Last Saturday in Lanzarote gave Kat the first chance to put her winter work to the acid test in a race. The results she says were heartening.

“This weekend’s swim I went hard (and actually “fast”) to start, able to glimpse Lucy Buckingham’s feet for about 100m and then settled into pace with Anne, deciding to sit on her feet rather than swim side by side for most of it.

“I’ve so much to learn about the triathlon swim but I feel this is the first time I’ve made physical and tactical progress!”

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Joe Skipper finished fifth at Challenge Roth 2023
Challenge Roth 2025: Triathlon star Joe Skipper comes back from the brink for another shot at iconic race
ironman hamburg 2025 podium laura philipp kat matthews solveig lovseth beer
Challenge Roth 2025: Laura Philipp backed to make triathlon history by crashing through magical time barrier
Challenge Roth press conference 2025
Challenge Roth 2025: Date, start times, how to watch live and who’s racing
Georgia Taylor Brown wins supertri Toulouse 2024
British Olympic legend Georgia Taylor-Brown to make triathlon return
Gwen Jorgensen reflective World Triathlon Cup Vina del Mer 2023
‘Unbreakable’ Gwen Jorgensen ‘bruised’ after bike crash but vows to bounce back
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...