Now, with the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow firmly on the horizon, the Loughborough University swimmer is determined to seize the biggest opportunity of her career.
The breaststroke specialist has enjoyed a rapid rise in recent years, breaking multiple national records to establish herself as one of the country's brightest sporting talents.
“I swim breaststroke – the 50m, 100m, 200m – I’d say the 100m is my main event,” Kent told Loughborough Sport.
“I’m excited and I’m really grateful that I’ve been selected for Gibraltar. I’ll be competing against some of the guys that I train with, alongside my team back at home. I spend most of my time in the water. I’ve love it!”
The nineteen-year-old is familiar with the pressures of major championships, taking the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games in her stride in what proved to be a breakout competition.
“At the Commonwealth Youth Games, I broke three national records – the 50m, 100m, and 200m,” she said.
“When I did that, it made me want to continue swimming and go to more competitions. I love being in the environment – even though it’s a lonely sport, someone will always be there when you touch the wall.”
As focus switches to Glasgow, Kent goes into the Commonwealth Games in fine form.
“A couple of months ago I got a personal best in 200m breaststroke, which I hadn’t hit since 2023 or something crazy like that. I’d like to get a personal best in my 100m too, so I hope my training will show when I race.”
Swapping the south coast of Spain for the East Midlands may not be everyone’s first choice, but Kent has no regrets after settling into life in Loughborough.
“I feel like Loughborough sells itself with all the facilities and everything here. The coaches are really good, and everyone is nice and friendly. It’s nice to be surrounded by athletes because everyone understands.
“Whenever I go home, and someone asks me how uni is, I tell them I love it. It’s far better than I thought. I knew I’d enjoy it, but I really enjoy it.”
For all the latest Loughborough University news around the Commonwealth Games, visit the dedicated website here: www.lboro.ac.uk/sport/commonwealth-games-2026/
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