Kate qualifies for European Games

IT HAS been an exciting month for Templeogue native Kate Frost who has officially been announced as part of Team Ireland for the upcoming European Games in Krakow, Poland.

Having secured the spot by finishing 11th out of 16 available spots, Frost along with her ladies’ doubles partner Moya Ryan will be competing in Krakow this June in what will be her first experience with Team Ireland at the European Games.

Currently ranked 57 in the World the Irish number one pairing will see this as a great opportunity to test themselves against the best pairs in Europe.

As a qualification event for next year’s Paris Olympics, it will be a great step for the Irish duo.

The competition will see 16 pairs battle it out for European glory. It will start in a round robin format with 4 pairs in each group and the top two progressing to the quarter-finals.

Speaking about the upcoming European Games, Frost expressed her delight at being selected as part of Team Ireland and says her preparation for the event has been good.

“I have had a tough 4 week training block in May, gearing up for the European Games.

“We will have one more hard week of training before we will compete in two tournaments in Denmark and France, to get us match sharp in the lead up to the games”.

Frost also stated that she is really looking forward to being at a multi-sport event and to experience the atmosphere among the athletes.

“I am really looking forward to being a part of Team Ireland and to also see the other Irish athletes competing in their sports.

“Hopefully it will be a great experience and some medals will be won”.

Also referring to last year’s European University Games, Frost said: “I was really lucky to have the chance to play in the European University Games last year in Lodz, Poland as part of a 4 strong TU Dublin team.

“This event showed me what it was like to play in a multi-sport event and as the first ever badminton team to participate from Ireland it was an amazing feeling to come home with a bronze medal as an unseeded team.

“In the individual event I also got two bronze medals and a silver in the mixed doubles with partner David Walsh.

“So I am really looking forward to this opportunity and I can’t wait to get out on court in Krakow”.

With Olympic qualifying having started at the beginning of May, Frost is ready for a busy 12 month period where each pair’s best 10 tournaments throughout the qualifying period will count towards Olympic qualification.

Frost also said that having qualified for the European Games it will give her a good idea of the level they are at in terms of qualifying for next year’s Olympic Games.

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