Katy’s joy as GB qualifies for Mexico

Photo: Richard Andrew

we’re on our way: Katy Andrew celebrates victory over Ukraine.

RISING water polo star Katy Andrew is setting her sights on next year’s Under-19s World Championships.

The Greenfield teenager and her Great Britain teammates are heading to Mexico thanks to a terrific performance in the European Championships.

Fourteen countries competed in Italy for both Euro glory and qualification for the World championships next year.

Though podium places eluded GB — as expected - a magnificent 8-7 victory over Ukraine clinched seventh and a place in Mexico.

Katy (17), who scored her team’s third goal, said: “It was probably one of the best moments of my life, a great game - nerve-wracking becaus none of us wanted it to go to penalties.

“We prepared really well for it and thankfully all the hard work paid off.”

After beating Portugal and Slovakia but losing to Greece, Great Britain finished second in the group.

Beating Serbia 10-7 put GB into the quarter-finals, where they were beaten by a strong Italian side.

They then lost to Russia, which left them facing Ukraine for a Mexico place.

Dad Richard said “I’m really proud of Katy and the whole team. There is a lot to do before Mexico - not the least finding a sponsor, since the withdrawal of all funding from UK Sport in February.”

Katy is back in the water this weekend for City of Manchester.