Local Judo Champion Works McDonald’s Shifts Between Training
From Games Glory to the Grill
When Summer Shaw returned home to Surrey after winning bronze in judo at the Commonwealth Games, life quickly returned to normal—or at least, what normal looks like for a world-class athlete with big ambitions. The 22-year-old swapped the roar of the stadium for the beep of a McDonald’s till, picking up shifts at the family restaurant just days after her medal-winning performance in Glasgow. Her candid TikTok video documenting this stark contrast struck a chord with viewers, accumulating over a million views and sparking genuine surprise among her followers. The comments poured in: “How is this possible?” “This shouldn’t be allowed.” For Shaw, the transition was simply pragmatic. Having studied A-levels while working part-time at McDonald’s, she’d maintained the position as a crucial income source while pursuing her judo career. Now, while based largely in Birmingham studying biology and training at the British Judo Olympic and Paralympic National Training Centre in Walsall, she returns home for seasonal work—typically two or three shifts per week. The flexibility the restaurant provides has been invaluable, though Shaw acknowledges that not all employers are as accommodating to athletes’ demanding schedules.
Why Elite Athletes Need a Second Job
The financial reality for judo athletes differs dramatically from headline-grabbing sports like football or Formula One. Shaw receives an Athlete Performance Award (APA)—a grant from UK Sport and the National Lottery—that covers basic living expenses. However, this funding doesn’t stretch to cover everything, particularly unfunded competitions. When Shaw decided to compete at the Grand Prix in Peru, she paid entirely from her own pocket, absorbing costs that many would find prohibitive. She’s also thinking long-term, saving towards a home purchase like any other 22-year-old. This financial squeeze is remarkably common across elite sports like judo, where medal-winning potential exists but sponsorship opportunities remain elusive at earlier career stages. Shaw has launched a GoFundMe campaign targeting the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, recognising that sponsorship would genuinely transform her opportunities. Such partnerships would allow her to be selective about competitions and training opportunities rather than constrained by budget. She emphasises that securing meaningful sponsorship—described as a “game-changer”—would free her to pursue every available opportunity for development. For now, the McDonald’s shifts remain essential, providing both financial stability and unexpected personal connections that have enriched her life considerably.
What Local Residents Should Know
Shaw’s story reflects a broader reality affecting young athletes across the UK, including those in our own community who balance elite training with everyday employment. Her experience highlights how traditional part-time work remains essential for funding competitive dreams, even at the highest amateur levels. For families considering how to support young athletes, Shaw’s openness about financial challenges provides valuable perspective. Her situation also underscores why employer flexibility matters profoundly; local businesses like those in hospitality sectors often become unexpected pillars supporting athletic development. The community should recognise that excellence in sport frequently coexists with seemingly ordinary jobs. Just as construction firms like Guilford builders understand that quality work requires proper investment in skilled professionals, athletic development demands patience and financial support. Much like a loft conversion or loft refurbishment requires careful planning and sustained effort, athletic careers need proper scaffolding. Residents interested in supporting young athletes might consider how their own businesses or community organisations could offer similar flexibility. Shaw’s decision to document her reality sparked important conversation about athlete funding and public perception of success. As she continues pursuing her Olympic dreams while maintaining her degree and part-time employment, watching her journey reminds us that success rarely follows a single, straightforward path.
Source: ‘I won Commonwealth Games bronze – then went back to work at McDonald’s’
