I turned down Love Island and won silver at the Commonwealth Games
Katie Shanahan was offered the chance to appear on the dating show last year - but decided she wanted to inspire a new generation of young swimmers.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"I've always said that if I can inspire the next generation of athletes coming through, then my job has been done."
— Katie Shanahan , Athlete
"I'm the biggest Love Island fan ever, I've watched every season."
— Katie Shanahan , Athlete
Key People
Abbie Wood is an English swimmer who was invited to participate in Love Island alongside Katie Shanahan.
Hannah Miley is a Scottish swimmer and Olympian known for her achievements in competitive swimming.
Katie Shanahan is a Scottish swimmer recognized for her achievements in backstroke events.
Locations
All Coverage
Katie Shanahan was offered the chance to appear on the dating show last year - but decided she wanted to inspire a new generation of young swimmers.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
MacInnes stars as GB top medals table at Europeans
Great Britain finish top of the medals table at the European Aquatics Championships in Paris as Keanna MacInnes helps them win two golds on Sunday.
August 17, 2026 at 11:56 AM'It was so up and down' - O'Connor wins heptathlon gold
Ireland's Kate O'Connor speaks after winning gold in the women's heptathlon at the European Athletics Championships, just weeks after winning the same event at the Commonwealth Games.
August 15, 2026 at 10:33 PMLove Island star Cach Mercer joins Strictly line-up
The Love Island winner also works as a model and DJ, and is an ambassador for a mental health charity.
July 9, 2026 at 04:49 PM'Outstanding!' GB's Macinnes wins 200m butterfly gold with 'gutsy' swim
Great Britain's Keanna Macinnes holds on to win gold in the women's 200m butterfly at the European Aquatics Championships, swimming a lifetime best to do so.
August 16, 2026 at 05:36 PMFresh rivals & forced to settle for silver - but Hodgkinson up for fight
Keely Hodgkinson says she is proud of her ability to "continue to fight" after taking silver behind Audrey Werro at the European Athletics Championships.
August 15, 2026 at 06:32 AMO'Connor secures European gold in heptathlon
Kate O'Connor secures gold in the heptathlon at the European Championships in Birmingham.
August 15, 2026 at 07:00 PM