Scottish Gladiator Sheli McCoy has returned to her hometown of Dundee to celebrate people making a difference in her local community. The CrossFit athlete, weightlifter and television personality, known to millions as Sabre from the BBC series, met inspiring individuals and organisations and revisited the gym where her fitness journey began.
Visits to Community Organisations
Sheli, 38, visited Sweatbox, a community-focused fitness space using sport and training to bring people together, before moving on to Next Gen Fit Kids where she met a young boy who overcame a health condition that left him needing a wheelchair. She also stopped at Helm, an organisation close to her heart as her former workplace before fame. Helm has supported young people in Dundee for more than 40 years, providing education and employment opportunities.
The star shot hoops with a youngster at The Yard, a play and support centre for disabled children and their families.
Sheli's Reflections on Dundee
Speaking of her trip home, Sheli said: "Dundee will always be home for me. It’s where I established my career and all my businesses. It’s where my community and friends are and it’s a city with a real sense of community and resilience. There’s no place like Bonnie Dundee on a sunny day."
Her visit was filmed as part of the Pride of Britain Hometown Heroes series, which sees five familiar faces revisit their hometowns to spotlight everyday heroes. Previous episodes featured Carol Vorderman in Bristol, Ashley Banjo in Southend, LadBaby in Nottingham, and Amber Davies in Denbigh.
Pride of Britain Nominations
Sheli added: "Pride of Britain celebrates ordinary people doing extraordinary things. It’s about kindness, courage, selflessness and making a real difference, which is something I really admire and every year I’m left feeling so inspired. So it's a privilege to recognise the hard work and community contributions of so many amazing people from Dundee and something I’m incredibly proud to be part of."
Every Hometown Hero featured in the series will be nominated for a Pride of Britain Award.
Sheli concluded: "I don’t think a 'Thank you for everything you do' will ever be enough but please know, each of you inspire so many people, and your kindness and selflessness make a huge difference every day."
Sheli runs her own business at Dundee's SweatBox gym alongside former professional ice hockey player Sam McCluskey, who represented Dundee Stars. According to her Gladiators profile, she can deadlift 160kg - a weight heavier than a baby African elephant.
