Category: A News

03/11/2026

Millie Boo: A Journey in Para Dressage

My riding and volunteering story

Hi, I am Millie Boo Smith. I am 20 years old and have cerebral palsy and bilateral hearing loss. I started horse riding as a form of therapy, and I am a Para Grade 2 Dressage Rider. I have my own horse George who is a retired ex racehorse, and I love riding, hacking, grooming and caring for him. I am also in my 2nd year at the University of Highlands and Islands studying a Business Equine Management degree which is interesting and very busy too.

I started volunteering for my local Riding for The Disabled Group for my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award and then carried this on as I love it as I want to give back to the community like I was supported when I was younger. I currently have over 370 Saltire Volunteering hours and was named Horse Scotland and Active Stirling Young Volunteer of the year as well as being awarded an Inspire Award by Forth Valley Disability Sport. My journey has been participant to volunteer to coach in training whilst being on the RDA pathway. I help people from a local care home interacting with horses and help others have fun and enjoyment in their lessons.

My advice to anyone especially young women and girls is to try ANY form of sport regardless of your disability. If you would rather, you can volunteer which is so rewarding. You get to meet lovely people; you can make a difference in people’s lives and makes you feel like you are doing something worthwhile. It is about what makes you happy and never let anything hold you back. RDA motto is “It’s What You Can Do That Counts” and ‘#SheCanSheWIll

03/11/2026

Ellie: From Spectator to Sports Leader

Hi my name is Ellie W , I am 19 and my sport is rugby. I am part of the young start program. I started watching the men’s six nations every year with my dad as he used to play rugby when he was younger. I thought I’d love to play rugby one day and didn’t start playing until I was 17. My friend started playing for our local women’s team and suggested that I join and we both went along for our first training session. We could train but only started doing contact at 18.

When I went into high school my mum had suggested a sports programme that was run by SSF [Scottish Sports Futures] called Twilight. It was multisport. It helped me fall in love with sport before I got involved with playing rugby. A couple of months later there was a young leaders programme that was also run by SSF to help me coach young people in sport. My coach, Maciek, from SSF encouraged me to join my clan rugby team as a participant and then help out as a coach. I have been to events and schools to talk about the clan and encourage people to come along and try it.

Maciek told me about the Young Start programme and I had to submit it that day and it sounded like such a good opportunity for me and I signed up and was very excited as I was getting to meet new people , learn new skills , develop my skills and get my level 1 rugby coaching. I had online courses the first one was communications and the second one was human connections and then we had the young start/panel residential September weekend with wheels to water , getting to try other sports , we got to know each other through ice breaker challenges , we went trampolining , had food and hung out. We did the disability , advocacy and sport course in the morning and then in the afternoon we did boccia which was very fun. I have also got to do my first aid course through young start and passed

03/11/2026

Katie Golder joins Scottish Disability Sport.

Katie Golder has joined Scottish Disability Sport (SDS), as Engagement Officer, where she will be arriving with a wealth of knowledge, personal experience, and desire to make sport and physical activity more inclusive.

Having participated in and worked in sport for most of her life, Katie understands the importance of being physically active. Her own experiences, combined with having seen family members face barriers to inclusion, have shaped the commitment Katie has to ensuring more individuals gain the benefits of physical activity,

Explaining what attracted her to the position with SDS, Katie said: “I have a couple of family members who have disabilities, and I know how hard it’s been for them getting into sport.”

“I think sport and physical activity are some of the best things in the world, I’ve grown up around sport, and been actively involved in sport. So, being able to bring sport to people who maybe don’t think they can do it, or have faced barriers, and if we are able to do something about it for them, then that would be great.”

“Even for myself, knowing how much sport had an impact on me growing up, and how it’s shaped me, it’s nice to see the distances people are willing to go to make sport and physical activity accessible to everyone.”

Katie grew up taking part in a wide range of sports, before finding her calling as a competitive swimmer. She went on to compete at a regional and national level, developing a deeper understanding of the psychological and physiological benefits of physical activity, further strengthening her passion for sport.

Another reason why Katie is excited to have joined the SDS team, is the opportunity to continuing advocating for women and girls in sport, a cause that Katie feels strongly about. She said: “It just fills me with so much pride to be a Scottish woman, who is part of the sporting industry, who is able to push other women and girls into sport.”

An area that Katie has seen develop throughout her time participating in and working within sport, has been the continued growth and visibility of female role models in sport. She believes this progress is particularly important when looking to inspire the next generation of Scottish female athletes.

Following a summer in which Hope Gordon, Toni Shaw, Faye Rodgers, Mary Stevenson, Astrid Carroll, Melanie Woods, Joanna Robertson, Mary Wilson, and Pauline Wilson competed at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games for Team Scotland, Katie reflected on the importance of celebrating females in sport, commenting: “I think it is just amazing that we have all of these strong women now. People are now able to see that women are doing the most incredible things.”

“In the past, if you weren’t watching the World Championships, European Championships, the Commonwealth Games, Olympics and Paralympics, you wouldn’t have always heard of some of the individuals. However, now it is all becoming that bit more visible.”

“If you see and hear about these people that are like you, it really does open up that door, and makes you realise what you are able to achieve.”

To find out how you can get started on your pathway in sport, reach out to Scottish Disability Sport at admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or contact your local SDS Branch.

To keep up to date with all things disability sport across Scotland, follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

02/11/2026

Sam Gough: Overcoming barriers, and the importance of education

Sam Gough MBE’s journey in sport has been one that showcases the power of determination, resilience, and an unwillingness to take no for an answer.

At just three-years-old, Sam was a budding young athlete, taking part in Mini Kicker football events, adding dancing, swimming, cross country running, and other sports to her ever-growing schedule over the following years. For all, it looked like Sam was destined for a life of sport and physical activity.

Sam was ready and willing to jump head-first into any opportunity provided, and had the full backing of her sports enthused family. At that stage, no one would have predicted that Sam would have been excluded from her physical education classes within a few years; when a lack of accessible equipment, and education of teachers around disabilities and vision impairments, saw Sam denied the opportunity of taking part in physical education.

Others may have found this hard – just like Sam did – not all would have had the resilience to bounce back, going on to have an incredibly impressive career in sport. Even more impressively, not all would have had the willingness to extend an olive branch, eloquently going down the disability advocacy route, and educating people on accessible practices.

The 23-year-old said: “The teachers saw my vision impairment as a hazard, to not only myself but to other pupils.”

“I thought that for a long time I was the problem, I felt like I was the reason that I couldn’t compete in sport.”

“I wouldn’t wish my experience during that period on anybody else, but what it has done, it’s lit a fire within me to create positive change.”

The feeling of being excluded was extremely hard for Sam, especially after just having selected physical education as one of her chosen subjects that she would study in third year.

However, Sam didn’t let this deter her from taking part in sport and physical activity, looking for out of school options, joining swim clubs in Midlothian, and attending Scottish Disability Sport’s (SDS’s) National Championships and Parasport Festivals.

At one of SDS’s Parasport Festivals, Sam’s perception around how she could be included in sport changed, when a badminton session was modified to make it more accessible, saying: “They changed the white shuttlecock to a yellow balloon, which meant I could join in. That just shows how simple it is to adapt sport for someone who has a disability.”

“Having that done for me made me feel really empowered, to know that sport can be adapted and can be accessible.”

Towards the end of education in high school, Sam made the decision to transfer to the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh.

Ultimately, this was a formative moment in Sam’s life, learning about herself as an individual with a vision impairment, and developing a new attitude to sport and physical activity. She commented: “In reality the Royal Blind School is where I learnt to advocate for myself, learn about my vision impairment, what it meant to be a young person with a vision impairment, and how it can empower you in every way possible.”

“There was an opportunity to attend a Para rowing session, and at the time I was doing a lot of other sports, and my physical education teacher didn’t let there be any barriers, he just said ‘Sam what’s one more sport, just give it a go’.”

So far in 2026, Sam has had an incredible year performing, reaching the podium several times in Para Rowing and Blind Football. Winning Quad bronze in the Spring Regatta, gold at the Henley Women’s Regatta, and winning two gold medals whilst representing Scotland at the Home International Nations Regatta, amongst a suite of other Para rowing medals. Also captaining the Lioness’s Blind Football team to silver in the World Championships and bronze at the European Championships “It’s been an incredible season, it’s probably been my biggest season to date, and I am just delighted that I could perform at that level, and show what is possible with hard work and determination.”

In June this year, Sam was awarded a MBE in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List for services to sport and the visually impaired community. Recognition which was well deserved after years of Sam’s advocacy for individuals with vision impairments and disabilities, not only as an ambassador, but also through SDS’s Education and Learning courses and National Advisory Forum, where Sam attends as an active athlete, providing great insight and lived experience.

Sam said: “My passion has come from being excluded from sport, and now I am able to advocate for others, it’s one of the biggest turning points in my life.”

“I’ve gone into this big advocator role, and I really enjoy it, I love advocating on behalf of individuals with disabilities, and for sport to be inclusive.”

“Education is one of the most important things when looking to make sport more inclusive, if not the biggest thing.”

“It’s not always even about sport being inclusive, it’s about disability awareness, and how that can transfer into day-to-day life, if people have knowledge of disabilities, it takes away different barriers, it’s really important.”

To find out how you can get started on your pathway in sport, reach out to Scottish Disability Sport at admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or contact your local SDS Branch.

To keep up to date with all things disability sport across Scotland, follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

02/11/2026

Championing inclusion: Rosanna Wood joins Scottish Disability Sport.

Rosanna Wood joins the Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) team, taking up the position of Communications Manager, where she will be hoping to impact change.

Coming to the team with an abundance of knowledge, that has been built up through several years of working within the sporting sector in Scotland with organisations such as JudoScotland, Rosanna is looking forward to the challenge that awaits, she said: “Working in Scottish sport over the past decade, I have seen first-hand the incredible impact sport can have, not just on individuals, but on wider society.
Scottish Disability Sport plays such an important role in championing inclusion, influencing policy and creating opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sport. Joining the team felt like an incredible opportunity to contribute to that work, help drive positive change and shine a light on the people and stories that demonstrate the true impact of disability sport across Scotland.”

Rosanna joined the SDS team, on Monday 2^nd November, the start of Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week, exactly three weeks before Scottish Disability Sport Week (23^rd – 29^th November) is being held. With both campaigns showcasing the power of inclusive sports, Rosanna is joining at an exciting time.

Looking ahead to what is achievable over the coming months, Rosanna commented: “I’m really excited to help tell the stories of disability sport in Scotland and raise its profile, celebrating the people, opportunities and achievements that make it so special.
Through my work with JudoScotland, I’ve already had a glimpse of the incredible work taking place across governing bodies, clubs and communities to break down barriers and create opportunities for people to participate in sport. I’m looking forward to meeting even more of the passionate individuals making this happen, hearing their stories and helping amplify their voices.
Ultimately, I’m excited to play a part in showcasing the impact of disability sport and helping more people see that sport really is for everyone.”

With Scottish Disability Sport Week providing opportunities to showcase every aspect of disability sport. From the Power of Participation, and Overcoming Barriers, to highlighting the importance of Intersectionality, recognising the many inclusive Clubs and Communities, the growing Accessibility, and emerging Performance Pathways, each of the week long campaign’s themes offer an opportunity to celebrate inclusive sporting practices. This is something that Rosanna feels is important, saying: “Sport is about so much more than medals. It means different things to different people, whether that’s friendship, fitness, competition or something else. Whatever the motivation, sport should be a place where everyone feels welcome, included and that they belong.
But for that to happen, people need to see what’s possible. By raising the profile of disability sport and sharing the stories of individuals across Scotland, from community clubs to the Paralympic stage, we can challenge perceptions, inspire others to get involved and show that sport really is for everyone. Representation matters, and the more visible disability sport becomes, the more we can help create a sporting landscape where everyone feels they have a place.”

A further opportunity to identify barriers to participation, opportunities for growth, and good practices, within disability sport, is SDS’s National Survey. The second edition of the National Survey was launched on October 28^th2026, where by listening to people with disabilities, learning from their experiences in sport, and gaining an understanding of issues faced by individuals when attempting to become physically active, SDS can promote and shape a sporting landscape where everyone feels like they have opportunities to be physically active.

As well as being passionate about increasing awareness around Para Sport, Rosanna is also extremely passionate about every aspect of inclusive sports, including women and girls, she said: “As with all forms of representation, you have to see it to be it. Having women working throughout the sporting sector, across all roles and at every level, helps challenge perceptions, create opportunities and show the next generation what’s possible.
It’s equally important that women’s voices and lived experiences are heard and valued. By listening to those experiences, we can shape more inclusive policies, practices and interventions that better reflect the needs of everyone involved in sport.
My own experiences of sport as a teenager shaped my understanding of how easily girls can lose confidence when they don’t feel they belong. Today, that drives my mission to help create a sporting landscape where everyone feels welcome, supported and able to thrive.”

To find out how you can get started on your pathway in sport, reach out to Scottish Disability Sport at admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or contact your local SDS Branch.

To keep up to date with all things disability sport across Scotland, follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

26/10/2026

Cricket Scotland’s Disability Cricket Development Officer.

Cricket Scotland, in partnership with Lord’s Taverners, is looking for an enthusiastic Disability Cricket Development Officer to help more young people with disabilities enjoy cricket. Working with schools, clubs and community partners across Scotland, the successful candidate will create opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop skills and make new friendships through sport.

Scottish Cricket is looking for someone with experience in sports development or someone who has used sport to make a positive difference, an understanding of disability sport and strong partnership working skills. Previous experience of cricket is not essential — a passion for inclusion and supporting young people is what matters.

Salary: £28,238 per annum, plus pension and benefits.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, with evening and weekend working as required.

Contract type: Full-time, permanent.

Closing date: 2 November 2026.

Workplace: National Cricket Academy, Edinburgh, with hybrid working available. Travel throughout Scotland and occasionally elsewhere in the UK is required.

For Further information about the role or to apply, please click HERE to head to Scottish Cricket’s recruitment portal.

08/10/2026

Hall of Fame inductees 2026

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS), is delighted to announce that Gordon Reid OBE, Samantha Kinghorn OBE, and Stephen McGuire MBE have been inducted into the SDS Hall of Fame.

On Saturday 19^th September, SDS’s Branch Conference, Annual General Meeting and Awards took place. The day provided SDS, its member branches, partners and stakeholders an opportunity to reflect on a year of Para Sport, whilst also celebrating some of Scotland’s greatest Para Athletes, who were being inducted into SDS’s Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame aims to celebrate the sporting careers and achievements of some of Scotland’s most iconic sports men and women with disabilities. Serving as a lasting tribute to the great Scottish champions, it reflects the sporting journeys of those who have contributed to the development and reputation of disability sport within Scotland, the UK and around the world.

Hall of Fame inductees 2026:

Hailing from Alexandria in West Dunbartonshire, Gordon Reid OBE is being inducted into the SDS Hall of Fame, after an incredible career in wheelchair tennis. Gordon has produced some of his most memorable performances when pressure was at its highest, securing his status as a Paralympic champion, Grand Slam winner and world number one in both singles and doubles.

A keen athlete as a child, Gordon contracted transverse myelitis at the age of twelve, a rare neurological condition which left him paralysed from the waist down. Determined to continue in sport, he was introduced to wheelchair tennis in 2005 and quickly rediscovered the game he loved.

Gordon made his Paralympic debut at the 2008 Beijing Summer Games aged only 16-years-old, going on to reach the quarter-finals in both singles and doubles at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Gordon’s 2016 season was career defining, winning his first Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open, followed by the inaugural men’s wheelchair singles title at Wimbledon, where he also won the doubles title. At the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Paralympic Games he became ParalympicsGB’s first men’s wheelchair tennis singles gold medallist, adding silver with long time doubles partner Alfie Hewett in the men’s doubles competition.

At the delayed 2020 Tokyo Summer Paralympic Games, Gordon added bronze in the men’s singles and silver in the men’s doubles with Alfie Hewett. Three years later, at the Paris 2024 Games, the duo won men’s doubles gold, giving Gordon a second Paralympic gold medal, confirming his place among the most decorated wheelchair tennis players of his era.

Awarded an MBE in 2017 and an OBE in the 2023 New Year Honours for services to wheelchair tennis, Gordon Reid OBE remains an outstanding ambassador for Scottish Disability Sport, British tennis and the Paralympic movement.

Born in the Scottish Borders, Samantha Kinghorn OBE has become a Paralympic Champion, World Champion and Commonwealth Games medallist whose achievements have placed her among the leading wheelchair racers of her generation.

As a teenager Samantha’s life changed dramatically, following an accident on her family farm. During her rehabilitation she was introduced to wheelchair sport, and quickly discovered the speed, freedom and challenge of wheelchair racing.

In 2014 Samantha won three gold medals for Great Britain at the IPC European Championships in Swansea, taking the T53 titles over 100 metres, 400 metres and 800 metres. The same year she represented Team Scotland at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, announcing herself as a major Scottish talent.

Making her Paralympic debut at the Rio de Janeiro Summer Games in 2016, she gained valuable experience. She produced a breakthrough performance the following year at the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships in London, winning gold in both the T53 100 metres and 200 metres and adding bronze in the 400 metres.

At the delayed Tokyo 2020 Summer Paralympic Games, Samantha won her first Paralympic medals, taking bronze in the T53 100 metres and silver in the T53 400 metres. At the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships in Paris, she returned to the top of the podium, winning T53 100 metres gold, adding silver medals in the 400 metres and 800 metres.

Paris 2024 became the defining Games of Samantha’s career, winning gold in the T53 100 metres and four silver medals in the T53 400 metres, T53 800 metres, T54 1,500 metres and 4×100 metres Universal Relay.

Her achievements across Paralympic, World, European and Commonwealth competitions make her one of Scotland’s most decorated Para athletes.

Stephen McGuire MBE is one of Britain’s leading boccia athletes. From Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Stephen has built an outstanding international career.

Born with muscular dystrophy, Stephen found in boccia a sport that matched his competitive drive and strategic mind.

Stephen’s early international success came alongside his brother Peter in the BC4 pairs event. The brothers won European gold in 2009 and World Championship silver in 2010, going on to make their Paralympic debut at London 2012.

Over the next decade Stephen became the benchmark British BC4 athlete, competing at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro and 2020 Tokyo Summer Paralympic Games, becoming individual BC4 World Champion at the 2016 World Championships in Beijing.

Stephen’s journey to the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games showed his resilience, suffering a serious injury in 2022, breaking his knee and femur, requiring major surgery. Returning to international competitions winning BC4 Individual bronze, and BC4 Pairs silver with Fiona Muirhead at the 2023 European Para Championships.

Being selected late for Paris 2024 after earning a bipartite slot, Stephen seized his opportunity at his fourth Paralympic Games, defeating Colombia’s Edilson Chica Chica 8–5 in the men’s individual BC4 final to win his first Paralympic medal and become Paralympic champion.

Stephen went on to win double gold at the 2025 European Championships, taking the individual title and the BC4 pairs title with Sophie Newnham, before securing the BC4 Pairs title at the 2026 World Championships in Seoul, with Sophie.

Awarded an MBE in the 2024 New Year Honours, Stephen McGuire MBE is a more than worthy inductee into SDS’s Hall of Fame.

05/10/2026

Seven part-time roles available with Scottish Squash

Following a new Club Support Programme launched by sportscotland this year, seven part-time club coach and club development roles have been created to support clubs throughout each of our Scottish Squash regions across Scotland

These posts will help build much-needed capacity within clubs, to support (not replace) volunteers, and create more sustainable structures that enable clubs to grow participation, sustain or grow their membership, and put them in a stronger position to better serve their communities.

At the heart of the programme there is a simple aim to have stronger, safer, sustainable, and more inclusive sports clubs and community organisations, so that more, and more diverse, people can participate, progress and achieve in sport.

Find out more by visiting the Scottish Squash website.

31/08/2026

Celebration of Para Sport: a Call to Action

During the Commonwealth Games, Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) held it’s first ever Celebration of Para Sport event at Team Scotland House, Glasgow. The event brought together leaders and key influencers from the sport, disability and third sectors, to reflect on the history of para sport in the Commonwealth Games, highlight the achievement of notable athletes and celebrate the success of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Furthermore, it was an opportunity for SDS to update everyone in attendance on the next important steps of the four-point Call to Action and what else needs to change in order for sport and physical activity to become more accessible for individuals with disabilities.

The day provided a welcome opportunity to celebrate Glasgow 2026 having the most inclusive events programme in Commonwealth history, and how as a wider workforce, they have ensured the Games legacy results in longer term involvement in sport.

The event reached it’s maximum capacity, as SDS were joined by leaders of varying sectors, notable attendees included David Clarke, Chief Executive Officer of ParalympicsGB, Forbes Dunlop sportscotland’s Chief Executive Officer, Maree Todd Minister for Mental Wellbeing, Public Health, Sport, Alcohol and Drugs, Gavin Thomson, Motability Scheme’s Managing Director of Scotland, and a selection of Chief Executive Officers and senior managers from Scottish Governing Bodies of sport and other third sector partners.

A series of fantastic guest speakers attended the event, who shared their journeys in sport, its impact on their wider lives and the progress of the Para sport movement.

One of these guest speakers was Finlay Davidson, a member of Team Scotland’s squad for Glasgow 2026, also a member of SDS’s most recent Young Persons’ Sports Pannel (YPSP). Interviewed by Grace Stirling a former member of SDS staff and YPSP member, who now works for Glasgow 2026, Finlay was able to provide fantastic insight into representing Team Scotland in Para Powerlifting at his debut Commonwealth Games, along with providing the audience with his valuable lived experience, where he discussed barriers he has had to overcome, representing his family in Glasgow, and how his journey to becoming part of Team Scotland’s squad transpired.

Maria Lyle was part of the guest speaker cohort, where the former Para Athlete with Team Scotland and Paralympics GB, and former SDS staff member and YPSP member was able to share her thoughts. Interviewed by Gemma Lumsdaine (Former YPSP member and current Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby player), Maria was able to share her experiences of being a multiple World, European and Paralympic medalist, along with reflecting on her experience representing Team Scotland at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, where she won a historic silver medal in the T35 100m. Maria was able to provide insight gained through lived experience into what policy and system changes are needed to make sport and physical activity inclusive, as well as explaining the vital role that education will have when changing perception of disabilities and Para Sport.

The event provided an important platform to highlight SDS’s four-point Call to Action which was published in September 2025. Created after the publication of SDS’s national survey, undertaken in partnership with Queen Margaret University, the Call to Action highlights the ongoing inequalities individuals with disabilities experience when accessing sport and physical activity. The campaign calls on government, local authorities, health boards, education providers, leisure trusts and third-sector organisations to recognise the rights of people with disabilities.

The next edition of the SDS National Survey is scheduled to launch on 1 September. Please do keep a look out for it, complete and share with all your relevant networks to ensure that the opinions of people with disabilities guide the policy and strategy for organisations across sport and physical activity.

To keep up to date with all things disability sport across Scotland, follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

25/08/2026

Dreaming in Glasgow: Toni Shaw’s Commonwealth Games

Winning Commonwealth bronze, representation and a Games legacy

Toni Shaw arrived in Glasgow, as a one time Commonwealth medalist, a Team Scotland fan favourite, and with hopes of producing the performance of a lifetime in front of a packed. She left with a Commonwealth bronze medal, memories to last a lifespan, and confidence in a Commonwealth Games legacy that will empower more individuals with a disability to take part in sport and physical activity.

The 22-year-old walked out on to the starting platform in Tollcross International Swimming Centre on Wednesday 29th July, with one thing on her mind, finishing her Glasgow 2026 with a statement, in front of her family, friends and coach. What transpired in the coming moments had the Scottish sporting landscape completely captivated, as a heroic final length push propelled Toni on to the podium, winning Women’s S9 100m Freestyle bronze.

Glasgow 2026 was Toni Shaw’s third appearance at a Commonwealth Games, having competed at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, and the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, winning Women’s S9 100m Freestyle bronze in the latter. As well as competing for Team Scotland, Toni has represented ParalympicsGB on two occasions, winning Women’s S9 400m Freestyle bronze at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, and competed at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. However, it hasn’t all been easy for Toni, with injuries threatening to derail her career over the past three seasons.

She said: “I was really proud to get the medal, being part of Team Scotland, it’s hard to describe how special it is, everyone is just really behind you.”

“It was such a close race, obviously when I was swimming, I had no idea where I was, but I could hear the crowd over the last few metres, and they really spurred me on.”

“It was so good, obviously getting to compete at a home Games, it is something that most athletes dream of, and now I understand why. The crowd was just amazing, having my family and friends there just really meant a lot.”

Behind every athletes calm, cool demeanor, there are struggles and doubts. Toni isn’t an exception to this, facing several injuries over recent seasons, disrupting her preparations, training and performances. However, Toni hasn’t let this effect her, staying resolute, with her love for the sport coming through in every performance, making the victories feel even sweeter, she commented: “Over the last few seasons, I haven’t always been near to my best times, and I have been dealing with a lot of injuries. I wasn’t really sure how I was going to perform going into the competition.”

“In the race, it’s not always about your time, it’s about where you come, and I was really happy to get the medal.”

Growing up and progressing through the Scottish swimming pathway in Aberdeen, Toni was widely renowned as a childhood prodigy in the pool, having 14 Scottish records to her name by the time she was 14-years-old, going on to make her first start for Team Scotland at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games when she was aged just 14.

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games had the largest Para Sport programme in the events history, with 47 medal events in Para disciplines, setting a new Commonwealth Games record. Toni’s lived experience and knowledge of the impact that active representation can have, coupled with her role as an ambassador for Scottish Swimming’s Learn To Swim programme, makes her excited to see the legacy that the multi-sport event has. She said: “The Commonwealth Games had the most Para Athletes and Para Sports competing in it ever. I remember watching Glasgow 2014, and I was watching other people like me, and I was thinking ‘if they can do that so can I’. I think just having more exposure can really help move on disability sport participation.”

“It’s special to be part of something like that in Glasgow, I think it will have a lasting effect, within the community and the place. I’m an ambassador for the Learn To Swim programme, and I’m really passionate about everyone learning to swim, and the Para side of that, and hopefully by people seeing me and other individuals with disabilities, it can inspire others to try swimming.”

Toni has developed in the sport, coming through the University of Aberdeen’s Performance Swimming programme, under the stewardship of coach Jen Davies, and Scottish Swimming’s Disability Performance Development Manager Paul Wilson. Having had extremely positive experiences with all of her coaches, Toni understands how important they can be to an individuals enjoyment in the sport. A further reason why Toni has featured throughout Scottish Swimming’s See My Ability campaign and Learn To Swim Programme “I have been so lucky with my coaches, all of them have been great, I did my swimming lessons with learn to swim, and then they recommended me to join a club, so I started swimming with Cults Otters, with a coach called Liz Riley, and she just treated me like everyone else, which was amazing. Then I went on to have Gregor MacMillen, and again, he just treated me like everyone else which I really liked and enjoyed.”

To find out how you can get started on your pathway in sport, reach out to Scottish Disability Sport at admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or contact your local SDS Branch.

To keep up to date with all things disability sport across Scotland, follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.