Theodora Taylor recently won her first senior British swimming medal at the 2026 Aquatics GB Championships in April, where she came away with Silver in the Women’s 50m Freestyle, and she also competed in the finals of 50m Breaststroke, 100m Freestyle, 200m Freestyle, 50m Butterfly and 200m Individual Medley, after having a successful junior career. Last year, Theodora represented Great Britain in Otopeni, Romania at the World Junior Aquatics Championships for her final major competition as a junior swimmer, where she won four medals – two individual and two relay – and broke numerous records at the competition. Alongside her GB teammates Blythe Kinsman, Filip Nowacki and Dean Fearn, Theodora retained GB’s title when they won Gold at the European Junior Swimming Championships in the Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay, and she also won Silver medals in the Girls’ 50m Freestyle, 100m Breaststroke and the Mixed 4x100m Freestyle Relay. Further junior competitions for Theodora have seen her compete at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad in 2023, winning six medals for Team Wales, and she was flag bearer at the closing ceremony, and in the same year, at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Maribor, she became the champion in the 50m Freestyle for Great Britain. Upcoming competitions for Theodora will be this year’s European Championships and the Commonwealth Games, and she trains at Torfaen Dolphins with Tom Croke. Speaking with Theodora, we found out from her about winning her first senior British medal at the 2026 Aquatics GB Championships, retaining the GB title in the Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay at the European Junior Swimming Championships and her success at the World Aquatics Junior Championships, Commonwealth Youth Games and European Youth Olympic Festival.
You have recently won your first senior British medal, having won Silver in the Women’s 50m Freestyle at the 2026 Aquatics GB Championships in April; how does it feel to have come away from that Championships with a medal?
It was a really special moment for me and it feels like a significant milestone in my career. Standing on the podium alongside some of the best swimmers in Britain gave me a lot of confidence moving forward, and it was rewarding to see the hard work from training pay off on such a big stage.
After a very successful junior career, how are you finding transitioning to senior level, and how was it also reaching the finals of the Women’s 50m Breaststroke, 100m Freestyle, 200m Freestyle, 50m Butterfly and 200m Individual Medley at your first senior Aquatics GB Championships?
The transition to a senior level has been challenging but exciting. The standard of racing is much higher, pushing me to improve. Reaching multiple finals at the British Championships was an achievement I was really pleased with, as it shows my skill over a wide range of events.
How was the experience representing Great Britain in Otopeni, Romania last summer at the World Aquatics Junior Championships, and what was it like having this as your final major competition of your junior swimming career?
Representing Great Britain is always an honour, and competing in Romania was an incredible experience. The atmosphere in the arena was fantastic, and it was amazing to be able to race against some of the fastest junior swimmers in the world.
Can you tell us about your success at the 2025 World Aquatics Junior Championships, which saw you win four medals (two individual and two relay) and break numerous records?
Racing in Romania was definitely one of the highlights of my career so far. Winning medals was beyond what I expected going into the meet. Relay medals were particularly special because sharing success with teammates made them more memorable.
What was it like winning Gold at the European Junior Swimming Championships last year in the Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay alongside your teammates Blythe Kinsman, Filip Nowacki and Dean Fearn in Ĺ amorĂn, Slovakia, and how was it being able to retain Great Britain’s title from 2024?
Winning Gold with the team was an incredible feeling. Relay events bring a unique energy because you’re not only racing for yourself, you’re performing for your teammates too. We all performed really well, and it was exciting to contribute to retaining the title for Great Britain.
You also won three Silver medals in Slovakia (Girls’ 50m Freestyle, Girls’ 100m Breaststroke and Mixed 4x100m Freestyle Relay), how do you stay focused during a long competition schedule and prepare for different events?
During major competitions, I try to focus on one race at a time and not think too far ahead. Mental and physical recovery become really important. Competing in different strokes and differences can be demanding, but I enjoy the variety.
How was it competing at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad, where you won six medals for Team Wales, and what was it like being the Welsh flag bearer at the closing ceremony?
The Commonwealth Youth Games was an unforgettable experience. Winning medals for Wales was incredibly special for me, and being selected as the flag bearer was a huge honour.
What are some of your favourite memories from the 2023 European Youth Olympic Festival in Maribor, and how did you feel being selected to represent Great Britain at this competition?
It was incredible to be representing Great Britain for the first time in my career. Some of my favourite memories include getting to know athletes from different sports and countries and experiencing the unique multi-sport event. The whole competition was exciting and gave me valuable experience competing on an international stage.
What do you remember from your 50m Freestyle race in Maribor, and how was it becoming European Youth Olympic Festival champion and standing on the podium to collect your first major international Gold medal?
As a relatively inexperienced junior, I remember feeling a little nervous but also relaxed, as there was little pressure on me to perform. The 50m Freestyle happened so fast, but standing on the podium was such an amazing feeling as it was my first medal representing my country.
How different do you find individual races to relay events and what do you enjoy about each?
Individual races, for me, are more about challenging yourself and seeing what you can achieve personally, whereas relay events rely heavily on teamwork and cohesion. I enjoy the responsibility and focus that comes with individual events, but I also love the energy and excitement of relays.
Can you tell us about training with Torfaen Dolphins, and how does your training day change in the lead-up to a competition?
Training at home with my coach Tom Croke has played a huge role in my development. My coaches create a supportive environment that allows all swimmers to improve. Closer to meets, we tend to reduce the volume a little and focus more on race pace, allowing me to feel fresher during competitions.
How did you get into swimming, and did you always know you wanted to swim at elite level?
I started swimming lessons when I was young and discovered a love for the water. As I got older and began competing, I realised how much I enjoyed racing and challenging myself. Gaining more experience in the sport has increased my confidence and allowed my goals to grow as an elite sportswoman.
What is it like competing for Great Britain and Wales at competitions around the world?
Being able to compete for Great Britain and Wales is such an incredible honour for me. I feel so proud to be able to represent my country, and travelling to different parts of the world is an experience I could never take for granted.
Do you have any favourite sports to watch, and any particular swimmers/athletes (either current or retired) to support?
I love watching athletics, especially during major events like the Olympics. Kate Douglass is a swimmer who I see as a role model as she is so versatile and swims a wide range of events, including freestyle and breaststroke, which I also swim. Alys Thomas and Jazz Carlin are Welsh swimmers which I look up to as well.
Have you received any advice over your time in sports so far that has stayed with you?
During exam periods and heavy training loads, it’s important to find an outlet for yourself. Viewing school as a break from swimming and vice versa helps me balance swimming and school during intense periods.
How do you like to spend your free time?
In the little free time I have, I enjoy reading and spending time with my friends. Having a break from school and swimming is important for recovery to return feeling refreshed and motivated.
It has been announced that you are on the British team heading to the European Championships in Paris in August; what are you looking forward to for the competition, and do you have any further competitions coming up, or that you are targeting?
I’m incredibly excited to be selected for the European Championships this summer. As my first British senior team, I’m looking forward to learning from the more experienced athletes on the team and gaining some international experience. I’m also targeting the Commonwealth Games in the summer. I think it would be an unforgettable experience.
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