[1] Despite missing out on qualification for the British swim squad at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Haywood qualified for the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia, where she won a silver medal in the 4×100-metre medley relay.

She won a joint silver medal (with Sarah Katoulis of Australia) in the 50-metre breaststroke at the 2008 World Short Course Championships.

She competed at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, finishing in 4th place in the British 4×100-metre medley relay team, and reaching the semi-finals in the 100-metre breaststroke.

She was forced to miss the 2009 Swimming World Championships in Rome due to a hip injury.

After retirement from swimming, Kate has set up a successful personal training business called Straightline Fitness.