Odyssey Health Club is proud to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of one of our own, Cate Jackson, who recently competed at the Masters National Championships. Her performance was nothing short of inspirational, particularly considering her journey over the past 18 months.
Cate underwent major surgery to remove a large brain tumour, the size of a golf ball, just a year and a half ago. Her resilience, dedication, and unyielding spirit have brought her back stronger than ever to achieve extraordinary results. During the championships, Cate set an impressive three British records and three European records in the 100m, 200m, and 400m freestyle events. Notably, she already held records in the 100m and 200m freestyle and managed to surpass her previous times, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination.
In addition to these victories, Cate achieved a commendable second place in the 50m freestyle, despite not typically considering herself a sprinter. She also participated in two relay events, earning a strong 4th place finish.
Cate’s success is not only a testament to her hard work but also to the unwavering support of Odyssey’s Monday night swim club and her dedicated coach, Kevin Pickard. The community at Odyssey has been an integral part of her recovery and training journey, offering encouragement and guidance as she prepared for competition.
Reflecting on her experience at the Nationals, Cate shared:
“The event was well-organised, and swimming alongside former international competitors was incredible. There were six of us in the last heats, and any one of us could have claimed a podium spot. I was absolutely delighted to win and thrilled to be back in competition. It’s wonderful to be in the water again, enjoying the sport I love.
My journey is proof that with determination, stubbornness, and a will to win, it’s possible to come back even after traumatic surgery.”
Cate’s journey is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with perseverance, skilled coaching, and the support of a dedicated community. At Odyssey, we are honoured to be part of her story and look forward to seeing what she will accomplish next.
Congratulations, Cate, on your incredible achievements—you inspire us all!
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About the Masters National Championships
The Masters National Championships is a prestigious event in the world of competitive swimming, hosted annually by Swim England. It brings together top-level masters swimmers from across the UK and beyond to compete in various age categories. The competition showcases the skills and dedication of athletes aged 18 and older, with participants ranging from seasoned former internationals to passionate amateurs who continue to challenge themselves in the sport.
Held over three days, the event typically features a variety of races, including freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and individual medley, as well as relay events. This year’s championships were a highlight of the competitive swimming calendar, drawing significant attention for the high level of performance and camaraderie displayed among participants.
More info: https://www.swimming.org/masters/compete-masters-national-championships/
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Cate Jackson’s Inspiring Journey: From Diagnosis to Dominating the Pool
Cate Jackson’s story is one of extraordinary resilience, determination, and triumph. Her path from a life-altering diagnosis to setting new swimming records is nothing short of inspiring.
The Beginning of an Unexpected Journey
Cate’s last race before her diagnosis was a 1500m event in 2019, where she achieved a British record at the age of 55. However, after that race, she began to feel unwell. In March 2020, she attempted another competition but felt fatigued, and her drive to win seemed diminished. Despite trying to maintain her training, it was inconsistent and filled with uncertainty.
In 2022, Cate raced for Barnet in a relay, though she wasn’t in peak condition. Still unaware of the true cause of her struggles, her condition reached a critical point when she fell in a car park while with her mother and couldn’t get up. This moment prompted her to seek medical advice and an MRI scan.
The Life-Changing Diagnosis
In March 2023, doctors discovered an ‘unexplained mass,’ which was later confirmed to be a brain tumour. Cate’s world changed rapidly. On 16th April 2023, she was admitted to Queen Square Hospital in London, with surgery set for the 17th. The operation was delayed by a day, a brief moment of relief amid the whirlwind.
The surgery was a success, and Cate spent time in ICU before being discharged on 20th April. The reality of recovery included 42 staples in her head, 84 surgical holes, and the unique challenge of regaining normalcy. “The scariest part was wanting to shower but fearing my head would fill with water,” she recalled.
Rebuilding Strength and Returning to the Pool
Cate’s road to recovery was remarkable. Just 3.5 weeks after her operation, she attended a friend’s 60th birthday at The Gherkin in London. She discovered newfound energy, finally feeling in control of her body again. Gardening and everyday activities became revitalising experiences.
Her first swim back was on 9th June 2023. Supported by Odyssey Swim Coach Kevin Pickard, who offered to watch over her to ensure she was safe, Cate began rebuilding her stamina. By 20th July, she managed her first 30-minute training session, gradually adding 5-10 minutes at a time. Being back in the water felt “amazing,” she shared, and her body responded well. “Suddenly, the bottom of the pool wasn’t moving; my shoulders were loose, and my legs worked.”
Competitive Comeback
Cate’s first competition post-surgery was the Barnet Copthall Sprint Meet on 17th September 2023, where she secured four wins despite not using dives or tumble turns. She posted a time of 34.12 seconds in the 50m freestyle—improving to an incredible 30.22 a year later. Her 100m freestyle time was 1:15.05, which she reduced to 1:06.42, earning a British record.
April 2024 marked Cate’s participation in the Guernsey International Swim Meet, where she won the 200m freestyle in 2:24.82, just missing out on records in the 100m and 400m by mere fractions of a second.
Next, at the Swansea Long Course Nationals—exactly a year after her operation—Cate set a 100m freestyle time of 1:07.07 and the following day, broke the British record for the 200m freestyle with 2:29.82.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
However, even after incredible successes, Cate faced unexpected emotional challenges. “The rot set in,” she admitted. A month of continuous crying and anxiety followed, prompting her to seek therapy. “Why was I so calm during the brain surgery and yet felt so terrible afterward?” she questioned. Four therapy sessions helped her understand the importance of giving herself time to recover.
Cate’s Message
Cate’s message to others facing life’s challenges is profound:
“It doesn’t matter what is thrown at you in life; you can achieve anything, but you have to work at it slowly.”
Cate’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, support, and patience. We at Odyssey Health Club are proud to have witnessed her incredible story unfold and celebrate her achievements in and out of the pool.
