Tony Shaw: Commonwealth Games ‘huge’ for para-sport, says Scottish swimmer

Shaw, 22, recalls watching the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

‘When I was in the crowd, it inspired me,’ he added. “So hopefully other people, if they have a disability, seeing increased participation in para-sport, it might inspire them to take up sport.

‘It’s one of the only competitions where able and para-sports are done side-by-side, so the increased coverage and I think everything is amazing.’

Being in the stands at Tollcross in 2014 helped convince a then 10-year-old Shaw that “this is really cool, I want to do it”.

The Aberdonian admitted it was “a dream come true moment” to go there as a competitor.

Under normal circumstances he would be hoping for a big medal for Team Scotland.

As well as that Paralympic bronze, Shaw boasts an eye-watering collection of other major championships medals, including three world golds and two European golds, as well as a Commonwealth Games bronze, which he won in Birmingham four years ago.

However, he said a back injury meant the dream of topping the podium this time around was “not really achievable”.

“It was tough to be honest,” Shaw added. “I had a back injury in 2024 and I had a steroid injection on it and I’ve had some treatment for it, so it’s doing a lot better, but it’s just that I haven’t been able to get back to the times I was doing before.

“It was quite difficult, but it was my main goal to get into the team and I’m really proud to have done it and really looking forward to the summer.

“I want to give what I got.”