NT Swimming Technical Manager hand-picked for World Titles

From volunteering as a parent at local meets in America to being handpicked by FINA, it’s been quite the journey for Swimming NT’s technical director. Read what’s next for her.

Swimming NT’s Katie Reynolds (right) has been selected as an official at Doha Open Water World Championships. Contributed: Swimming WA Facebook page.

From volunteering as a parent at local meets in the USA to becoming one of the nation’s top officials, it’s been quite the journey for Swimming NT’s technical director.

Katherine Reynolds, originally from the UK, has taken a role as a volunteer at junior meets to being hand-picked as an official at the current World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar, and is one of just 10 officials invited to the competition.

“It’s an amazing honour and the pinnacle of a career in this field,” Reynolds said.

“Ever since I embarked on this journey I’ve been driven to be the best and I do everything I can to achieve that goal.”

Reynolds knew that she wanted to make a difference in the world of swimming, after her officiating journey began at high school meets.

“I love officiating,” she said.

“I have the opportunity to make a positive difference in swimming as my actions are directly correlated to ensuring swimmers all have the best chance.

“The goal is to have a race that results in a fair competition, everybody is safe and the rules are adhered to.”

Reynolds has frequently taken on additional training, roles and challenges head on.

She did just that in 2016, paying out of her own pocket and officiating at the FINA World Junior Open Water Swimming Championships in the Netherlands.

“I do what I can to be better, regardless of what it takes,” Reynolds said.

“Before every meet I make sure to peruse the rule book because my philosophy is that like an athlete, to be a good official you also need to train.

“It’s a way to refresh and reinforce what I already know and a chance to learn.

Reynolds fell into open water swimming by chance, and it took coming to Australia for her to give the outdoor discipline a crack.

“A colleague of mine needed an official last minute and she asked if I’d be willing to jump in,” she said.

“I instantly fell in love with the sport and haven’t looked back since.

“It’s also much nicer being out in the sun and at the beach than in a building that reeks of chlorine.”