Having broken the British junior 800-metre freestyle record in 2002, Payne's central financial support was cut after she failed to win a medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

As a result, Kelly suggested that she try open water swimming, allowing her to access additional central funding.

[4] In 2011 in Shanghai, Payne reclaimed the World Championship in the 10 km open water event, becoming in the process the first British athlete in any sport to confirm qualification for the 2012 Summer Olympics.

[5] She took part in the 10-kilometre open water event at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, and finished fourth, four seconds behind the winner.

[6] In 2014, she won the LEN European Open Water Swimming Cup Super Final in Castellabate, Italy.