Kathleen Dawson became the first Scottish woman under the 1 minute mark in 100 meter backstroke in 2016. She has broken scottish records in all three backstroke events. She is a 2021 Olympian for the United Kingdom.
Dawson trains at Warrington Warriors under head coach Darren Ashley.
Early Career
At her first international meet, Dawson finished with two silvers in 50 and 100 meters backstroke at the 2013 European Junior Championships.
A year later she was the youngest member of team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games. Her best finish came in the 400 meter medley relay where Scotland finished 4th. In her individual events she finished 5th in 50 meter backstroke and 10th in 100 meter backstroke.
Dawson was awarded the Best Female World Ranked Performance at the 2015 Ontario Junior International. She set new scottish records in all three backstroke events picking up a gold, silver and bronze in the 50, 100 and 200 backstroke respectively.
2016 European Championships
After missing out on a spot at her first Olympics, Dawson was selected to represent Great Britain for the first time at a senior international meet. The teenager had an impressive meet, becoming the first Scottish woman under 1:00 as she broke her own record in the semi-final in 59.83 then again in the final in 59.68 en-route to a bronze medal. On the final night, she helped Great Britain to a gold with her lead off leg in the 400 meter medley relay. Dawson also swam 50 and 200 meter backstroke.
2020 European Championships
Dawson shined in Budapest, reaping a total of 4 medals, 3 of them gold. She took her first individual Euro title in the 100 back along with golds in the 400 medley and mixed medley relays. She also earned silver in the 50 back.
