Shannon began swimming competitively at age 9. Her swimming achievements earned her a scholarship that supported her high school education and allowed her to visit 16 countries. Shannon graduated from Southdowns College in 2018 with five distinctions. She then pursued a BA in Psychology at the University of Pretoria, graduating with distinction. Continuing her studies at the same institution, she earned a Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Psychology. In her spare time, Shannon enjoys watching crime documentaries and training her pet rabbit, Henry.