Local 21-year-old Aberdonian swimmer Toni Shaw recently travelled to Paris for the 2024 Paralympics to compete in the Women’s 400m freestyle S9.

Taking a moment to look back at where it all began, she said:

“My swimming journey all started out with Sport Aberdeen when I was very young as I went to swimming lessons with my older sister Alex at the Northfield Swimming Pool.

“After progressing through all the Learn to Swim levels, I was offered the opportunity to join a club.

“I joined Cults Otters, where my love for swimming fully started. I loved being in the pool and being around my friends at training!”

Toni’s love for the water and talent continued to flourish. She said:

“After being part of Cults Otters for many years being coached by Liz Riley, I moved up a level to COAST (now known as the University of Aberdeen Swim Team) and I have done some training and competing with them, as well as with another swimming club too.”

Following her recent trip to the Paralympics, Toni had suffered with an injury at the beginning of the year – and finished fifth in the Women’s 400m freestyle S9 at Paris La Defense Arena.

She said: “I was excited and nervous for Paris. It was such an honour to get to race there!

“Sadly, I injured my back at the start of the year so my training was a bit disrupted but I gave it everything in my first event in Paris.

“There’s a lot of pressure at big competitions and I do get very nervous, but speaking to family and friends really helps me and just having confidence in all the training I’ve done. 

“My advice I’d give to anyone new to swimming would be to just enjoy it!

“Swimming has given me so many amazing friends and memories and I owe so much to the sport.” 

At only 21 years old, Toni is an inspiration to all swimmers and has achieved incredible things in her career so far.

Sport Aberdeen wishes her the best of luck in her upcoming para swimming events in Paris:

• Women’s 100m Freestyle – S9 on 4^th September
• Women’s 200m Individual Medley – SM9 on 5^th September

If Toni’s story has given you a burst of motivation, then why not apply for Sport Aberdeen’s Learn to Swim programme today – with spaces available from preschool up to adults.   

Click here to find out more.