STUNNING SILVER: SEA LIFE London renames sharks after artistic swimming Paris medallists

After a historic performance in Paris secured them a coveted silver medal, SEA LIFE London Aquarium is honouring artistic swimming champions Izzy Thorpe and Kate Shortman by renaming two of its most loved creatures after them.

Back in May, the dynamic duo visited SEA LIFE London Aquarium where they had the opportunity of a lifetime to meet Green Sea Turtles, Dougie and Boris, to celebrate being named the sole British artistic swimming hopefuls for one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

Now following their momentous podium finish on Saturday 10^th August, gaining Britain’s first ever medal in artistic swimming, the Southbank attraction is cementing their names in its history books, by renaming two of its stunning Nurse Sharks after them.

Izzy the Caribbean Nurse Shark and Kate the Tawny Nurse Shark are longtime guest favourites at SEA LIFE London Aquarium, loved for their distinctive barbells and being bottom dwelling. They have a different way of breathing to other shark species, much like their artistic swimming namesakes whose impressive breathing techniques mean they can hold their breath for over three minutes at a time.

Catherine Pritchard, General Manager at SEA LIFE London Aquarium, said: “It’s so exciting that Kate Shortman and Izzy Thorpe have taken home the silver medal in Paris, and we were privileged to be just a small part of that journey. It’s only fitting that two of our strongest, yet friendliest sharks are renamed in their honour – we hope the girls can come back to see their namesakes one day soon!”

To catch a glimpse of Kate and Izzy the sharks at SEA LIFE London Aquarium head here to book your tickets.