The Side Hustle of Success: What Summer Shaw’s Story Reveals About Athlete Support

Summer Shaw’s viral TikTok video sparked a heated debate after she revealed that winning a Commonwealth bronze medal didn’t guarantee financial security. Many commenters questioned whether it was “allowed” for her to return to work at McDonald’s, implying that she was somehow taking advantage of the system.

However, Shaw’s situation is not an anomaly. It highlights a broader issue in elite athletics: the struggle to make ends meet while pursuing top-level competition. As Shaw has been open about her need for flexible work arrangements, it’s clear that her part-time job at McDonald’s is a necessity, not a side hustle.

Shaw won Scotland’s first judo medal at the Commonwealth Games and relies on an “Athlete Performance Award” (APA) to cover living expenses. The APA system provides a safety net for athletes like Shaw, but it’s hardly enough. The money she receives doesn’t always cover her costs, let alone fund her next competition.

This patchy support is not unique to Shaw. Many elite athletes in sports like judo often have to juggle training commitments with part-time jobs or other income streams. This can be time-consuming and energy-draining, leaving little room for focused training.

The public reaction to Shaw’s video also reveals cultural attitudes towards success and hard work. Commenters assumed that winning a Commonwealth medal should grant Shaw financial security, as if it were some kind of reward in itself. But this ignores the reality of elite athletics: it’s often a grueling, financially insecure pursuit.

Shaw has set up a GoFundMe page to fund her Olympic aspirations, highlighting the inadequacy of current support systems. If Shaw needs crowdfunding to pursue her dreams, what does this say about the value we place on elite athletics?

Having a sponsor would change everything for Shaw. It would allow her to be more selective about her commitments and focus on training without worrying about making ends meet. But for now, she’s stuck in a cycle of part-time work and crowdfunding.

Shaw’s story is not just about one athlete’s plight; it’s about the broader issues facing elite athletes. We need to rethink how we support these individuals, providing more sustainable and comprehensive funding that allows them to focus on their sport without worrying about financial security. Only then can we expect to see more success stories like Shaw’s – in terms of medals won, but also in terms of athletes who are truly able to pursue their passions without sacrificing their well-being.

Ultimately, Shaw’s story is a reminder that even the most talented and dedicated athletes need a support system that goes beyond medals and recognition. It’s time for us to step up and provide more comprehensive care for our elite athletes – not just so they can win, but so they can thrive.