Scottish swimmer Katie Shanahan has revealed she turned down an offer to appear on Love Island to focus on her Commonwealth Games campaign, a decision that paid off with a silver medal in the women's 200m breaststroke.
Love Island offer came before Games
The 22-year-old from Glasgow said producers of the ITV show approached her and fellow swimmer Abbie Wood ahead of last year's series, asking if they would be interested in entering the Mallorca villa. Shanahan, who describes herself as the 'biggest Love Island fan ever,' admitted she was tempted but chose swimming.
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.'
Silver medal success in Glasgow
Instead of heading to Casa Amor, Shanahan remained in training at Glasgow's Tollcross International Swimming Centre. On the opening night of the Commonwealth Games last Friday, she won silver in the women's 200m breaststroke, an emotional moment that saw her fighting back tears on the podium.
Love Island has increasingly recruited athletes in recent years. Northern Ireland boxers Jon McConnell and Kaci Rock both made early audition stages before pulling out to concentrate on their Commonwealth Games campaigns, while several footballers have also appeared on the reality show.
Future Love Island appearance not ruled out
Despite her success in the pool, Shanahan hasn't ruled out swapping 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, just as 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 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.'
