Scottish Swimmer Aims for Paralympic Medal Double in Paris
Toni Shaw, the Scottish Paralympic swimmer, is on a mission to double her medal haul at the upcoming Paralympic Games in Paris. The 20-year-old already has a bronze medal from the Tokyo Games in the 400m freestyle, but she's determined to add another to her collection.
Shaw, who hails from the north-east of Scotland, has returned to her hometown to train with the University of Aberdeen's Performance Swimming programme. She thrives on the supportive atmosphere and camaraderie of the team, finding comfort and motivation in training alongside close friends.
"I love working in Aberdeen. The squad I am in, everyone is so friendly," she told BBC Sport Scotland. "It is like I get to go swimming with most of my best friends every day, so it is just a really nice thing to be part of. I am really happy where I am just now and working with Patrick [Miley, high performance coach] is really good."
Despite a challenging season, hampered by a stress injury in her lower back, Shaw has managed to achieve the Paralympic qualifying time in the 400m freestyle. Her resilient spirit and impressive track record suggest she is well positioned to compete for medals in Paris.
The young athlete burst onto the international stage at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, representing Team Scotland at just 14 years old. Since then, she has accumulated a collection of prestigious medals at World, European, and Commonwealth championships. However, the bronze medal at her Paralympic debut in Tokyo remains her most significant accomplishment.
"That is the biggest meet and to be able to be on the podium was just incredible," she reminisced. "I know there was no crowd there but the whole British team were there and I know the whole of my friends and family at home were watching so it was really special."
Shaw's dedication to swimming is unwavering. She recognises that age is just a number when it comes to competition, and she's determined to continue her career for years to come. Her nerves and excitement remain as strong as ever before each major competition, but with growing experience, she approaches these challenges with greater confidence.
With her sights set on a Paralympic medal double in Paris, Toni Shaw is poised for another successful chapter in her remarkable swimming journey. Her unwavering determination, coupled with her supportive training environment, suggests she is well on her way to achieving her ambitious goals.
