Gladiator Sheli McCoy says she struggles with praise from young fans as she deals with imposter syndrome

With a primetime TV career, successful business and award- winning sports exploits Sheli McCoy has become a role model to many.

However, the Scots Gladiator says the adulation she gets from young fans has left her ‘overwhelmed’ and feeling like an ‘imposter’.

The 36-year-old, who owns a gym in Dundee, stars under the stage name Sabre on the BBC show.

And with an audience of six million tuning in each week, her exploits and physical prowess have inspired a whole new generation.

Ms McCoy said: ‘I am so grateful for the life I’m living and the reception we get from everyone we meet – particularly all the kids and their parents.

‘But I’m also getting really overwhelmed with the amount of love we’re shown. I’ve got this major imposter syndrome going on.’

Ms McCoy said fans’ excitement was apparent when she recently attended events with fellow star Emily Steel, 22, who performs on the show as Dynamite.

She said: ‘So many children were idolising us and screaming when they met us and the parents were so grateful and thankful.

Scots Gladiator Sheli McCoy says the adulation she gets from young fans has left her feeling  ‘overwhelmed’ as she deals with ‘imposter syndrome

The businesswoman, who runs a gym in Dundee, stars as Sabre on the BBC show

She and fellow Gladiators are often approached by fans who have been inspired by them

‘The effect we’ve had on their children was just so obvious with the way they were talking.

‘It’s amazing and I love it. But I feel like such an imposter being able to have such a positive impact on everyone’s life. It’s not easy to adjust but it’s worth every second.’

Ms McCoy, whose late father Sean and mother Kaz were both Army sergeants, trains for up to 19 hours a week and holds a number of trophies for weightlifting. 

A survivor of domestic abuse, she has spoken openly of how she was attacked by an ex-partner during a traumatic relationship in her early twenties.

Her former boyfriend was made the subject of a restraining order and in the aftermath she became a Scottish CrossFit and weightlifting champion.

She has said: ‘My mum said to me, “You are going to get strong and the next time someone has the audacity to raise a hand to you, you are going to raise one right back”.’