Shaw is a world-class competitor in a sport where the rewards may not make her wealthy. There are different grades of support, external that athletes receive, depending on their results and prospect of medal-winning performances. Shaw told BBC Sport that it was "very common" for athletes in sports like judo to have another source of income. "The money I get [APA] covers my living expenses, which is a blessing and not to be taken for granted," she said. Athletes can also earn money through sponsorships, something Shaw says would be a "game-changer" for an athlete at the present stage of her career.