Zane Michalle
Sheli McCoy is an accomplished athlete and television personality, excelling in weightlifting and fitness. As a competitor, McCoy has earned her acclaim as a devoted athlete. There were also personal challenges along the way, but her journey proves how strong and determined she is. In this article, we will learn more about Sheli’s life.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 10th, 1988, in Windsor, Berkshire, England, McCoy spent her childhood in a military household given both of her parents were a part of the British Army. Kaz McCoy, her mother, was a Royal Signals Sergeant, while Sean McCoy, her father, was a Sergeant in the Scots Guards. In the early years of her life, tragedy struck with the loss of her father due to a car accident when she was only three.
Later on in life, she went to Robert Gordon University In Aberdeen, where she earned a master’s degree. She then moved to Dundee, Scotland, where he launched her career as an entrepreneur, trainer and athlete.
Athletic Career
Weightlifting and CrossFit Achievements
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Sheli McCoy has emerged as one of Scotland’s top female athletes after competing in five British Weightlifting Championships. She holds the title of Scottish Champion in weightlifting, and she also excels at CrossFit. Sheli attributes her achievements in sports to dedication and hard work in training.
In Olympic weightlifting, she set three national records during the 2023 Scottish Championships. Her personal bests consist of 140 kg back squat, 100 kg clean and jerk, and 160 kg deadlift. These records demonstrate her impressive physical abilities and the intensity of training she puts herself through.
In 2023, she ranked 104 out of 23,000 competitors in the CrossFit Championships. She is now considered one of the elite CrossFit athletes in the world.
Joining Gladiators as “Sabre”
Sheli debuted as “Sabre” on the BBC version of Gladiators in 2024, marking her first television appearance. Her prior experience in weightlifting and CrossFit made her a perfect candidate for the strenuous feats on the show.
In the semi-finals, Sheli sustained a torn hamstring that could have ended her time on the show. She enrolled in a rehabilitation program and, through hard work, made a full recovery. She was then able to compete in every event. These accomplishments only further solidified her astonishing reputation as a competitor and fan favourite.
Entrepreneurship and Business Ventures
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SweatBox Dundee Gym
Besides succeeding in both sports and television, Sheli is a businesswoman as well. Together with her ex-professional ice hockey player partner Sam McCluskey, they opened a gym in Dundee, Scotland, called SweatBox. The gym offers numerous training programs, making it the go-to fitness centre in the community.
SweatBox Dundee has gained widespread recognition due to the strengths of their staff, as well as their successful CrossFit, strength training, and weightlifting programs.
Overcoming Personal Challenges
Sheli’s journey may have been inspiring, but her life journey has not been as easy as it seems. One of the obstacles she faced was being a victim of domestic violence during her early twenties. That experience scarred her deeply, but over the years, Sheli learnt how to channel her feelings into something positive. Using weightlifting and CrossFit, she was able to regain the power she felt she lost during that violence.
Now, she is a champion of women’s empowerment and mental strength, sharing stories of her life to motivate those in need.
Training, Lifestyle, and Fitness Philosophy
When it comes to working out, Sheli McCoy is hands-on. She trains between 16 to 19 hours, and indeed, she is quite competitive. She uses weightlifting, CrossFit, endurance training, and rehabilitation exercises to perform at her best.
In addition, Sheli is a qualified sports rehabilitation therapist. To further improve her physical and mental health, she abstains from alcohol.
Social Media Presence and Influence
Sheli McCoy’s social media platforms serve as her business page. She leverages the platforms to post her personal stories, fitness routines, and workout tips. She has attracted a giant following on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter/X.
Net Worth
There is no information available in the public domain related to Sheli McCoy’s net worth, but it can be speculated that it comes from varied sources such as:
- Her role in Gladiators
- Her earnings from SweatBox Dundee
- Branding and sponsorship deals
Final Thoughts
Her life revolves around the idea of never giving up. Sheli’s personal story is one of toughness and discipline, a remarkable blend of hard work and self-belief that helps so many CrossFit aspirants achieve their weightlifting records.
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