Toni Shaw Anticipates Historic Impact of Commonwealth Games on Para-sport
Scottish swimmer Toni Shaw expresses optimism about the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, labeling the event as "absolutely huge" for the Para-sport community. Although the Games have been shortened, they will feature the largest integrated Para-sport program in history, with a record 47 medal events across six of the ten sports. Shaw, a bronze medalist at the 2020 Paralympics, highlighted the positive effects that increased coverage of Para-sport will have, stating, "There has been so much progress. I think it is going to have such a knock-on effect everywhere, not just in Scotland." She reminisced about her experience at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, where she felt inspired watching from the stands. "When I was in the crowd, it inspired me. Hopefully, others with disabilities will be motivated to take up a sport by seeing increased participation in Para-sport." As a competitor, Shaw regards her participation as a dream come true. Despite being a medal hopeful for Team Scotland, a back injury has hindered her performance. "It has been tough to be honest. I had a back injury in 2024 and have had treatment, so it is doing a lot better, but I haven't been able to get back to my previous times." Despite these challenges, she remains proud to be part of the team and is eager to give her best this summer, emphasizing, "To get on the team was my main goal, and I am really looking forward to the summer."
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-05-29