Summer Shaw, a judo athlete who recently secured a Commonwealth Games bronze medal for Scotland, is also working at McDonald's, illustrating the financial challenges faced by many athletes even after reaching elite levels.
Shaw's situation is common in sports like judo, where prize money and sponsorships may not be sufficient to support a full-time athletic career. She explained that while she receives an Athlete Performance Award (APA) from UK Sport and the National Lottery, which helps cover living and training costs, it doesn't always extend to every competition.
"The money I get [APA] covers my living expenses, which is a blessing and not to be taken for granted," Shaw told BBC Sport. "But, for example, the next competition I've paid for myself because it wasn't funded by British Judo."
She noted that participating in events such as the Grand Prix in Peru incurred significant personal expense, which she is not reimbursed for through official channels. Shaw also expressed a desire to save for long-term goals, like purchasing a house, which is difficult on current funding alone.
Athletes in similar positions often seek additional income streams. Sponsorships are considered a significant potential boost, with Shaw describing them as a "game-changer" that would allow athletes to pursue more opportunities and competitions.
To help fund her aspiration to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Shaw has also launched a GoFundMe page. This initiative reflects a broader reality for athletes in non-revenue-generating sports, where personal fundraising and part-time work are frequently necessary to pursue their sporting dreams alongside other life necessities.