Summer Shaw set for World University Games
University of Birmingham judoka Summer Shaw will proudly represent Great Britain at the World University Games this summer – joining an exclusive team of just three selected GB Judo athletes heading to China.
For Summer, it’s not just another competition. “Getting to represent GB is always special and a privilege – it never gets old,” she says. “I’m proud to have this opportunity to compete on the world stage again.”
From broken bones to British Champion
Summer’s journey into judo began in 2012, when a collarbone injury saw her watching from the sidelines as her brother trained at Coventry Judo Club. Inspired by a club visit from Olympic bronze medallist Karina Bryant, she decided to give it a go – even though her early competitions didn’t quite go to plan.
“I wasn’t too good at it to start – I came last in my first British Championships!” she laughs. But years of hard work and dedication have paid off. She’s now a five-time Senior British Champion and U21 Champion, with European and World-level medals to her name – including five European Cup medals, a bronze at the European Youth Olympic Festival, and a Top 5 world ranking in her age and weight category.
Elite training, Olympic dreams
Currently part of the GB World Class Performance Programme, Summer trains at the National Training Centre alongside the country’s top athletes. Her preparations for the Games include international training camps in Spain and Italy, as well as national-level competitions and camps – all while balancing her end-of-year university exams.
And there’s more on the horizon. “This is a great opportunity to prepare for future multi-sport events like the Commonwealth Games. The World University Games will be a taste of what it’s like to compete on the biggest stages.”
Backed by Birmingham
A recipient of the University’s EDCAP Elite Sport Scholarship, Summer is quick to highlight the support she’s received:
“The scholarship team is amazing. The financial help is great, but it’s everything else that makes the difference – physio, S&C, nutrition, performance lifestyle advice, and just having a team of people who genuinely care.”
Wise words for future athletes
Her advice to other student-athletes is simple but powerful:
“Keep working hard, be consistent, and show up even on the days you don’t feel like it. Focus on the process – the results will follow.”
As Summer prepares to take on the world once again, the whole University community will be cheering her on.
