Sheli McCoy – Age, Partner, Gladiator Name & Career Achievements

Sheli McCoy is a Scottish weightlifting champion, CrossFit athlete, and television personality who competes as Sabre on the BBC reboot of Gladiators. Born on 10 July 1988, she has built a career spanning competitive sports, television, and public speaking. Her BAFTA win in 2025 marked a rare crossover between athletic achievement and mainstream entertainment recognition.

McCoy’s rise from weightlifting competitor to household name reflects a broader trend of fitness professionals leveraging television and social media to reach new audiences. Despite her public profile, certain aspects of her personal life remain the subject of ongoing curiosity, particularly her relationship status.

Her biography spans competitive sports, television, and public speaking, with key details available from official sources and public records. It also addresses common questions about her partner, age, and Gladiator identity.

Who is Sheli McCoy?

Sheli Jane McCoy is a Scottish athlete and television personality best known for her role as Sabre on the BBC series Gladiators. She is a qualified sports rehabilitation therapist and a teetotaler who trains 16 to 19 hours per week. Her background includes competitive weightlifting and CrossFit, where she has achieved national records and international rankings.

• McCoy is a multi-disciplinary athlete who transitioned from competitive weightlifting to mainstream television as a Gladiator.
• Despite public interest, McCoy has not publicly confirmed a current partner or spouse, leading to speculation.
• Her BAFTA win in 2025 marks a crossover from sports to entertainment recognition.
• She maintains a strong social media presence on Instagram and TikTok, where she engages with fans and promotes her brand.
• She is a co-owner of Sweatbox (CrossFit Dundee) alongside former ice hockey player Sam McCluskey.
• McCoy holds three Scottish weightlifting records and deadlifts 160 kg.
• She has been open about surviving domestic abuse in a previous relationship, which inspired her fitness journey.

Is Sheli McCoy Married or Single?

McCoy’s relationship status has been a topic of public interest since her appearance on Gladiators. In March 2024, she posted a picture on Instagram with entrepreneur Sara Davies, which confirmed their relationship. Davies is often cited as McCoy’s partner. Prior to this, McCoy had not publicly discussed a partner. She has not been married, and there is no record of a husband.

Who is Sheli McCoy’s Partner?

Sara Davies is a British entrepreneur known for her appearances on Dragons’ Den. The couple’s relationship was first indicated in a March 2024 Instagram post, which was reported by outlets such as The Sun. Neither McCoy nor Davies have discussed the relationship in detail publicly. No further information about a spouse or marriage has been found.

Who is Sheli McCoy’s Ex-Partner?

McCoy has spoken about being a victim of domestic abuse during a previous relationship. She has not named the individual or provided details beyond that experience, which she has credited as a motivating factor in her fitness journey. The identity of her ex-partner is not publicly available.

What Are Sheli McCoy’s Career Achievements?

McCoy’s career spans competitive weightlifting, CrossFit, television, and public recognition. She holds three Scottish weightlifting records, set in 2023, and competes internationally. In CrossFit, she was ranked 104th worldwide in 2023 and 4th in the UK in her age group (women 35-39). Her deadlift of 160 kg is often highlighted in her Gladiators profile as heavier than a baby African elephant.

Did Sheli McCoy Win a BAFTA?

Yes, McCoy won the British Academy Scotland Audience Award for Favourite Scot on Screen in 2024/2025 for her role as Sabre on Gladiators. The award, often referred to as a BAFTA Scotland, is part of the British Academy Scotland Awards and not the main UK BAFTA ceremony. The win was announced on her Instagram profile, which describes her as “BAFTA Winner ‘Best Scot’ 2025”.

What Weightlifting Records Does Sheli McCoy Hold?

According to her Wikipedia page and coverage in The Sun, McCoy set three Scottish weightlifting records in 2023. The specific lifts and categories are not detailed in available sources. She is also a five-time British Weightlifting Championship competitor and competed at the World Championships in 2025.

Career in Gladiators

McCoy joined the BBC reboot of Gladiators in 2024 as Sabre. Her athletic profile on the show’s official site describes her as a “five-time British Weightlifting Championship competitor, World Championships 2025 competitor and international CrossFit athlete.” The role brought her to a wider audience and led to the BAFTA win. Fellow Gladiator Livi Sheldon also competes on the same show, representing a new generation of fitness-focused contestants.

Where Can You Find Sheli McCoy on Social Media?

McCoy is active on Instagram and TikTok, where she shares motivational health and fitness content. Her official Instagram handle is @sheli_mccoyofficial, with over 190,000 followers as of early 2025. The account is used to post training clips, personal milestones, and brand partnerships. Her Instagram profile also lists her BAFTA win and links to her speaking engagements. On TikTok, she posts similar content under the handle @shelimccoyofficial.

Sheli McCoy Career Timeline

1. 10 July 1988: Born Sheli Jane McCoy in Scotland.
2. 2010s: Competes in CrossFit and weightlifting, setting three Scottish records by 2023.
3. 2024: Joins Gladiators UK as Sabre.
4. 2025: Wins BAFTA Scotland Audience Award; competes at World Weightlifting Championships.

What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Sheli McCoy?

Why Does Sheli McCoy Matter in Today’s Media Landscape?

McCoy represents a new wave of athletes who use reality television and social media to build multi-platform careers. Her BAFTA win signals that fitness personalities are increasingly recognized by mainstream entertainment bodies. The lack of detailed public information about her personal life is consistent with many athletes who choose to keep certain aspects private, yet it fuels continued search interest. Her story also includes overcoming domestic abuse, making her a relatable figure for audiences who have faced similar challenges. This parallel is echoed in the biography of boxer Christy Martin, who also turned to sport after surviving domestic abuse.

Key Sources and Quotes

“Sheli Jane McCoy (born 10 July 1988) is a Scottish CrossFit athlete, weightlifter and television personality.”

Wikipedia

“A five-time British Weightlifting Championship competitor, World Championships 2025 competitor and international CrossFit athlete.”

Gladiators TV – Sabre profile

“BAFTA Winner ‘Best Scot’ 2025”

Sheli McCoy Instagram bio

Summary: Who Is Sheli McCoy?

Sheli McCoy is a Scottish weightlifter, CrossFit athlete, and television personality best known as Sabre on Gladiators UK. She holds three Scottish weightlifting records, deadlifts 160 kg, and won a BAFTA Scotland Audience Award in 2025. Her relationship with entrepreneur Sara Davies was confirmed in 2024. She trains up to 19 hours a week and is co-owner of Sweatbox/CrossFit Dundee. She continues to compete internationally and expand her media presence.

Frequently Asked Questions