Team Scotland | Shannon selected for Athlete Advisory Panel
Shannon Archer has been selected for the Team Scotland Athlete Advisory Panel. The recently retired women’s artistic gymnast joins other former and current athletes across sport in the voluntary role.
The athlete advisory panel members play an important role in representing the best interests of their sport and other sports. They have an impact on key decisions and policies that directly affect Team Scotland athletes.
Commonwealth Games Scotland sought applications from current athletes who competed for Team Scotland at Gold Coast 2018, Birmingham 2022 or Trinbago 2023 and retired athletes with experience of competing at Commonwealth Games or Olympics and who are actively involved in Scottish sport.
Shannon first represented Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2011 before competing at senior level at Gold Coast 2018 and at Birmingham 2022 where she won Scotland’s first Commonwealth medal in women’s artistic gymnastics.
Speaking about her appointment, Shannon said:
“It means a lot to me to be a part of this panel as I have been involved as a Team Scotland athlete for so many years. I loved my experiences every time so I want to give back what I can to the organisation and help future athletes have the same experiences I did.
“I’m hoping I can be a bigger voice for the athletes currently involved in Team Scotland, getting their opinions and experiences across clearly and sharing some of my ideas of things that work for athletes in major competitions.
“We will have meetings and discuss matters that are important to us, keeping the athletes at the front and centre of what we are trying to change for the better or make easier for the athletes. As I have been an athlete until very recently and being involved as a child and an adult, I have varying experiences that can help future athletes and give them a voice.”
The Commonwealth Games vault bronze medallist ended her career on a high as Scottish all-around champion which she followed by becoming the British women’s vault champion.
“The British Championships will forever hold a special place in my heart, especially that vault final. We took a risk putting my vaults back out there again. I didn’t want to play it safe and went for it and it paid off and we did it and won the title! Which I have never done before so it was an incredible ending to my journey and a very proud moment for me and my coach.
“It is difficult to step away from elite gymnastics as I have done it for so many years but I know this is time for me to step away and I am happy and at peace with my decision. I have had an incredible run and achieved more than I ever dreamed of. I am leaving very proud of myself and very excited to step into my new career ambitions and taking on this role and still helping the next generation as much as I can.”
Alongside representing gymnastics in her voluntary Team Scotland role, Shannon will still be involved in the sport.
“I have recently launched my own business called GSA by Shannon Archer. I offer strength and conditioning, and artistry and choreography in clubs. These are my passions within the sport. I have a vast knowledge of both aspects so I’m excited to give that knowledge back and help clubs and gymnasts looking for support in these areas.”