In another reality, swimmer Katie Shanahan might have been looking for love on her favourite TV show – but instead made a decision that would lead her to a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games.

The 22-year-old told BBC Scotland News she was offered the chance to appear on Love Island last year, the reality dating show where singletons are placed in a Spanish villa.

However Glasgow-born Shanahan turned down the offer of sunshine in Mallorca, choosing instead to focus on her sport at the Tollcross swimming centre.

Last Friday she claimed silver in the 200m breaststroke on the opening night of the Games.

Despite her sporting success, she says would not be averse to a trip to Casa Amor in the future.

“I’m the biggest Love Island fan ever, I’ve watched every season”, she laughed.

“Last year the producers asked me and Abbie Wood [the English swimmer] 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.”

Love Island, which concluded its 2026 series earlier this week, has aimed to attract a number of athletes to the programme.

Northern Ireland boxers Jon McConnell and Kaci Rock progressed through initial auditions for the show, but then had to drop out to focus on their sport as the Games drew closer.

A number of lower league and non-league footballers have also appeared on the often controversial dating show over the years.

However Shanahan’s decision paid off in the pool, and she was seen fighting back tears after securing silver on Friday night.

Having been inspired by seeing Hannah Miley in action at the 2014 Games, Shanahan told BBC Scotland News she hoped future generations might have be likewise inspired by watching her in the pool this time around.

“I’ve always said that if I can inspire the next generation of athletes coming through, then my job has been done,” she explained.

“I know after 2014 watching Hannah I felt inspired, and it would be nice to think that maybe there’s some younger girls watching the 200m backstroke this time, and maybe they’ll get into swimming from it.”

She joked that the main problem since last Friday was finding the time to get back to various friends and well-wishers sending her messages to congratulate her.

“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.”