Commonwealth Games silver medallist Katie Shanahan rejected an offer from Love Island to focus on her swimming career. The Glasgow star revealed that producers of the ITV dating programme contacted her before last year's series and asked whether she would enter the Mallorca villa.
Shanahan, 22, is a self-confessed Love Island fanatic. She told BBC Scotland News: "I'm the biggest Love Island fan ever, I've watched every season."
Turning Down Love Island for the Pool
"Last year, the producers asked me and [fellow swimmer] Abbie Wood if we would be interested in doing it. I couldn't go on though, because of focusing on the swimming. I was a bit tempted but the swimming had to come first," she said.
Her decision paid off. Rather than jetting off to Casa Amor, Shanahan remained in training at Glasgow's Tollcross International Swimming Centre.
Silver Medal Glory
Last Friday, she won silver in the women's 200m breaststroke on the first night of competition at the Commonwealth Games. The emotional star was spotted battling back tears after securing her spot on the podium in her home city.
Love Island has sought to recruit athletes in recent years. Northern Ireland boxers Jon McConnell and Kaci Rock both progressed through initial audition rounds before withdrawing to focus on the Commonwealth Games, while numerous footballers have also featured on the show.
Future Plans and Inspiration
Despite her success, Shanahan hasn't dismissed the possibility of trading the swimming lanes for the villa someday. When quizzed about a potential future appearance, she responded: "Who knows in the future?"
For now, she hopes her displays can motivate the next generation in the same manner that watching Scottish swimming legend Hannah Miley at the 2014 Commonwealth Games motivated her. Shanahan said: "I've always said that if I can inspire the next generation of athletes coming through, then my job has been done. I know after 2014 watching Hannah I felt inspired, and it would be nice to think that maybe there's some younger girls watching this time and maybe they'll get into swimming from it."
Shanahan has been taken aback by the support she has received from family, friends and fans, adding: "I'm so grateful for the support. With it being a home Games, it feels like that support has been ramped up a bit, which is so nice to experience."
