Aldi worker swaps aisles for Scotland boxing team at Commonwealth Games
Nick Devlin will swap the middle aisle of Aldi in East Kilbride for the boxing ring at Glasgow 2026 - just a year after tearing his ACL.
Nick Devlin packs a punch in Aldi(Image: Aldi/Big Partnership)
A shop assistant will swap the middle aisle of Aldi for the boxing ring of the Commonwealth Games and hope to pack a punch for Team Scotland at Glasgow 2026. Nick Devlin has worked in the supermarket on Avon Drive, East Kilbride, for five years.
But the flexible work shifts have allowed the 25-year-old to keep up with a gruelling training schedule of up to three sessions a day in his fight for Commonwealth Gold. A shift pattern working two long days and one shorter shift each week allowed for his intensive training to represent Scotland in the 60kg lightweight division.
The boxing events will be held at the Hydro during the games taking place between July 23 and August 2. But Nick's route to the ring also comes after overcoming a torn ACL just a year before his qualifying campaign.
Nick Devlin will fly the flag for Scotland at his home games(Image: Aldi/Big Partnership)
He said: “The flexibility at Aldi has been brilliant. It's kept me there for five years which – with the commitment I have to make to the sport – says a lot.
"It's a really good team and a great atmosphere to work in, and the longer I'm there, the more the customers get to know me and know about my boxing. Everyone has been really encouraging.
"The good thing about the day job is it's very active. I'm on my feet a lot unpacking deliveries or changing stock around, so it keeps the calories burning between training sessions, which for me, is ideal.”
Nick has been boxing since he was seven, following in the footsteps of his ex-amateur boxer dad and his grandad - who boxed during his time in the armed forces. He was also inspired by countless viewings of Rocky throughout his childhood.
He has been crowned Scottish champion five times and has represented Scotland at both European and World level, most recently at the end of 2025. The torn ACL the year before his qualifying campaign threatened to end his hopes of competing at Glasgow 2026 before they had even begun.
Sportscotland supported Nick throughout his recovery, and after returning to competition he earned the points needed to secure his place in Team Scotland.
Nick added: “It takes a lot of hard work. I've always had the talent, but there's been a lot of loss and disappointment along the way.
"After each knockback, I always came back stronger, and I'm glad I stuck with it. There was a lot of pressure knowing Commonwealth qualification was on the radar, especially coming back from the ACL injury.
"In terms of multi-sport, this is my biggest competition yet. I can only imagine what winning gold would feel like.
"Having my family and friends there cheering me on will mean everything. I know how good I am, and I know what I can do.
"I'm hoping to wait it out and turn professional once Glasgow 2026 is done."
Tom Brearey, Aldi Scotland regional managing director, said: “Nick has the full support of his Aldi Scotland colleagues. He has already achieved so much in his boxing career, but to showcase on his hometown at such a prestigious tournament is something truly amazing.”