Athlete, 22, Won Her Country a Medal at the Commonwealth Games. Then, She Returned to Her McDonald’s Job: ‘It Was Strange’

**Commonwealth Games Bronze Medallist Returns to Part-Time Job at McDonald’s**

Judo competitor Summer Shaw has captured the public’s attention following her impressive performance at the Commonwealth Games, where she secured Scotland’s first judo medal at the event. Just days after celebrating her bronze victory, the 22-year-old returned to her part-time role as a crew trainer at McDonald’s in Scotland, a stark contrast to her recent achievement on the international sports stage.

In a revealing TikTok video, which has now gone viral with over 1.5 million views, Shaw shared her experience of transitioning from a champion athlete to a part-time worker. “And that’s on doing a sport no one cares about … someone sponsor me so I don’t have to work,” she cheekily noted in her post, illustrating the financial pressures faced by athletes in lesser-known sports.

On July 31, Shaw participated in the women’s 48 kg judo competition held in Glasgow, where she triumphed against competitors from seven nations. Despite her success, which included a hard-fought bronze medal, Shaw indicated that she relies on her job at McDonald’s to finance her judo career. “I’m already paid to do judo. The amount I get from that basically covers rent, petrol, and food and nothing else,” she explained.

Returning to work after such a significant win felt unusual for Shaw, but she emphasised the importance of maintaining a sense of normality in her life. “It was strange, but it almost gives you that sense of normality,” she remarked. “It’s important to have a social life that’s separate from your sport. People at work just see me as a bit more of a normal human being.”

After her return, one of her colleagues noted the irony of her situation, saying, “It’s crazy how you can be near the top of your game in a sport and then be working here.” Shaw, however, expressed humility regarding her status as an athlete, stating, “In my opinion, I’m not quite there yet. There’s still a way to go.”

Shaw’s plight is not unique; athletes in less mainstream sports frequently find it necessary to hold down jobs to support their training and competition expenses. “So many sports that are smaller, like judo, it must be so common to have another job,” she pointed out. “For me, it’s about having a job that is flexible. It’s a balance of how much the athlete needs the money as opposed to when they should be resting.”

Reflecting on the harsh realities of funding her sport, Shaw underscored the need for financial stability to participate fully in competitions. “But if I know I need to pay for myself to go to a competition, I know I need to start working more so that I can afford it,” she said, highlighting the ongoing struggle many athletes face in pursuing their sporting dreams while managing practical financial obligations.

The candid remarks from Summer Shaw serve as a reminder of the dedication and sacrifices that athletes make, often while juggling multiple responsibilities. Her story sheds light on the financial challenges that come with competing at high levels in sports that may not receive the same recognition or sponsorship as more popular disciplines.