Commonwealth Games swimmer Katie Shanahan turned down the chance to appear on Love Island to focus on her career, the silver medallist has revealed.
Tempted by Reality TV
The 22-year-old Scottish star said producers of the hit ITV dating show approached her ahead of last year's series and asked if she'd be interested in entering the famous Mallorca villa. Shanahan admitted she was tempted, describing herself as the "biggest Love Island fan ever", but decided chasing medals had to come first.
Speaking to BBC Scotland News, she 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."
Prioritising Medals
Instead of heading to Casa Amor, Shanahan stayed in training at Glasgow's Tollcross International Swimming Centre and last Friday won silver in the women's 200m breaststroke on the opening night of the Commonwealth Games. The emotional swimmer was seen fighting back tears after securing her place on the podium at the home championships.
Love Island has increasingly looked to recruit athletes in recent years. Northern Ireland boxers Jon McConnell and Kaci Rock both made it through the early audition stages before pulling out to concentrate on their Commonwealth Games campaigns, while several footballers have also appeared on the reality show over the years.
Despite her success in the pool, Shanahan hasn't ruled out swapping the lanes for the villa one day. Asked about a future appearance, she said: "Who knows in the future?"
Inspiring the Next Generation
The Glasgow swimmer also hopes her performances can inspire the next generation in the same way watching Scottish swimming great Hannah Miley at the 2014 Commonwealth Games inspired her.
She 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."
Since winning silver, Shanahan says she's been overwhelmed by the 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."
