Shayna Jack was the latest star to enter the South African jungle on Sunday’s premiere episode of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Australia.
The controversial Olympian, who was previously entrenched in a doping scandal, was a surprise entry in the new cast.
Several people shared their thoughts on the swimmer’s appearance on the reality series, voicing a variety of opinions on X.
‘Is it bad that I know Shayna Jack for the doping scandal more than the swimming?’ asked one person.
‘Like I know that she is a swimmer but that is the first thing that came to my mind.’
‘I see the term “Celebrity” is being used very loosely again this year,’ one more person wrote.
Shayna Jack (pictured) was the latest star to enter the South African jungle on Sunday’s premiere episode of I’m a Celebrity .. Get Me Out of Here! Australia
Shayna did well at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning gold medals in the Women’s 4 × 100 metre freestyle relay and Women’s 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay
Meanwhile, others said they were relieved to see a true star athlete instead of infamous breakdancer Raygun.
‘Shayna Jack thank god it’s not Raygun,’ said one while someone else agreed, ‘Thank GOD it’s not Raygun’.
‘Thank god it’s Shayna Jack and not Raygun,’ echoed yet another person.
Shayna climbed back to the top of the swimming ranks at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning gold medals in the Women’s 4 × 100 metre freestyle relay and Women’s 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay.
The 26-year-old has had to fight back from the abyss after testing positive for Ligandrol, a banned substance that can help repair and build muscles.
She was banned for four years but it was overturned when the positive test was deemed to have resulted from contamination.
Jack has long maintained her innocence and has had to battle mental demons to return to the pinnacle of the sport.
Several people shared their thoughts on the swimmer’s appearance on the reality series, voicing a variety of opinions on X
But she insists she is as hungry as ever to be competing for Australia at the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.
‘I definitely have that motivation to come back in four years’ time,’ Jack said.
‘This is just the start for me. This is my redemption chapter and hopefully there’s more to come and there’s more of a story to tell.
‘I’m also human and I think for me, I want to enjoy this moment and not think too far ahead.
‘Because you can get caught up in that sometimes,’ she continued.
‘I just didn’t think I would ever be here, let alone swimming again.
‘I didn’t know if I would fall in love with the sport again and I’m trying to say I am in love with the sport and I love racing and I love being a part of something that’s more than just about me.
‘I got a bit emotional because I’ve worked so hard to be here and I’m just really proud of everything I’ve achieved personally and part of this team this week so you know, it is sad to be saying goodbye to it.
‘But I look forward to reflecting and being proud of how far I’ve come.’
Last year, the athlete announced her engagement to long term partner Joel Rintala.
Jack was holidaying in Rome when her now fiancée – who is an Australian hockey player – convinced her to see the famous Trevi Fountain, where he popped the question in a romantic scene.
It was a late night in August, and after the swim star played tourist in Italy and tossed a coin into the water, Rintala asked what she wished for.
‘I said I couldn’t tell him or it wouldn’t come true, but he persisted and said ‘Come on, tell me,’ so I answered, ‘Well, obviously a life spent with you’,’ Jack told News Corp.
‘That’s when he pulled out the ring and said, “Will you spend the rest of your life with me?”‘
The answer was an emphatic yes – and followed Jack winning gold at the Paris Games.
The 26-year-old has had to fight back from the abyss after testing positive for Ligandrol, a banned substance that can help repair and build muscles
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