Commonwealth Games silver medallist Katie Shanahan has disclosed that she turned down an offer to appear on Love Island to concentrate on her swimming career.
The 22-year-old from Glasgow said producers of the ITV dating show contacted her before last year's series, asking if she would enter the Mallorca villa. Shanahan admitted she was tempted, describing herself as the "biggest Love Island fan ever", but decided that chasing medals had to come first.
Choosing sport over reality TV
Speaking to BBC Scotland News, Shanahan said: "I'm the biggest Love Island fan ever, I've watched every season. Last year the producers asked me and Abbie Wood if we would be interested in doing it. I couldn't go on though, because of focusing on the swimming, but who knows in the future? I was a bit tempted but the swimming had to come first."
Instead of heading to the villa, Shanahan remained in training at Glasgow's Tollcross International Swimming Centre. Last Friday, she won silver in the women's 200m breaststroke on the opening night of the Commonwealth Games, an emotional moment as she fought back tears on the podium at the home championships.
Recruiting athletes
Love Island has increasingly sought to recruit athletes in recent years. Northern Ireland boxers Jon McConnell and Kaci Rock both passed early audition stages before withdrawing to focus on their Commonwealth Games campaigns, while several footballers have also appeared on the reality show.
Despite her success, Shanahan has not ruled out a future appearance. Asked about the possibility, she said: "Who knows in the future?"
Inspiring the next generation
The Glasgow swimmer also hopes her performances can inspire young athletes, just as watching Scottish swimming great Hannah Miley at the 2014 Commonwealth Games inspired her. "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," she said.
Since winning silver, Shanahan has been overwhelmed by support from family, friends and fans. She added: "I'm so grateful for the support, and with it being a home Games it feels like that support has been ramped up a bit, which is so nice to experience."
