Cross-Country Mountain biker Kenta Gallagher has nailed his colours to the mast admitting the lure of competing for Team Scotland was too good to turn down.
Born in Sheffield to an English father and Japanese mother, Gallagher had a choice to make over which country to represent.
But having lived in Inverness since he was just two weeks old and still calling it his home 20 years on, Gallagher was in no doubt about what his decision would be.
“The only reason I’m good at riding my bike is because I rode in Scotland”, said Gallagher. “It’s exciting to think about competing for Scotland. I received lots of support from Scottish Cycling and it will be nice to give something back to them.”
“I have never had the chance before to compete wearing a Scottish vest and the Commonwealth Games is the only opportunity for me to do that. It would be special to get to pull on the Team Scotland colours and hopefully do all the Scottish fans proud. I would feel honoured.”
“Hopefully a few folk will come down from Inverness to cheer me on, well that’s the plan anyway, but I have to get selected first. It is the biggest goal I have in the next couple of years.”
Gallagher is based in Manchester, training on the British Cycling programme with fellow Scot Grant Ferguson and Englishman Liam Killeen, who won the gold medal in 2006, the last time mountain biking was part of the Commonwealth Games.
Inspired by his late father to take up cycling, Gallagher has won the British U23 Championships two years running, but has set his sights higher than a hat-trick when the Championships come to Cathkin Braes on 20 July.
He added: “It would be good to win it three times, but in the back of my mind, I’d like to make the step up and make my mark at the elite level. Depending on how I’m feeling I might race the elites and if I can win that then I’ll be doing well.”
“Hopefully my dad will be spurring me on. Every time I’m on my bike I do think about it. I went through a few bad patches not wanting to ride any more, but I knew he wanted me to do it and with him I had fun doing it. I guess if I made the Commonwealth Games start line he would be very proud of me.”
Mountain biking attracts a notoriously noisy support and Gallagher believes the Glasgow crowds could make the difference on the day.
He said: “Scottish people are pretty crazy, they are so proud to be Scottish and love to get behind their nation. I reckon they would definitely blow the lid off the Commonwealth Games, that’s for sure.”
“You can give 100% in a race, but if you have your family and friends there watching and the people are out to support Team Scotland then it does give you that extra 10% and that could be the matter of winning or coming second.”
“Many of my friends haven’t had the chance to see me compete before and they just think riding a bike is a bit of fun. It would be good to show everyone that the hard work I have put in has paid off and give back to everyone who has helped me by being at least on the start line for Team Scotland at Glasgow 2014.”
You can follow Kenta on Twitter @KentaGallagher
Photo Credit: Alistair Devine
Michael Cavanagh, Chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland welcomed today’s announcement that Virgin Media, the UK’s leading communications and entertainment company, has been unveiled as the newest partner of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The company will also further support the Games as Presenting Partner of Athletics, which will be most evident during competition.
The Games will take place in Glasgow from 23 July to 3 August 2014 and will feature 6,500 athletes and officials from across the Commonwealth. They will compete in the largest sporting and cultural event to happen in Scotland in a generation.
Over one million people are expected to attend 11 days of world class competition, with up to 15,000 volunteers showcasing the best the city has to offer.
Jeff Dodds, Chief Marketing Officer at Virgin Media, said: “Glasgow 2014 will bring together the greatest athletes from across the Commonwealth for one of the biggest sporting events ever to take place in Scotland.
“With our Home Nation heroes and international superstars, we’re getting behind Glasgow and can’t wait to build on an amazing track record of success.”
Lord Smith of Kelvin, Chairman of Glasgow 2014, said: “We are delighted to welcome Virgin Media into the Glasgow 2014 sponsor family and we are hugely excited to be working with such a fantastic partner. Virgin Media is a highly regarded company and has such a strong presence here in Scotland.
“We look forward to collaborating with Virgin Media, its customers and staff in developing some exciting engagement and activation opportunities over the coming months, which will really bring the partnership to life.”
Michael Cavanagh, added: “We are delighted that Virgin Media has come on board to support Glasgow 2014 and Team Scotland. Our track and field athletes are showing great early season form as they strive for selection and I know just how much they are looking forward to competing at Hampden which is such an iconic venue for Scots. The athletics competition will be world class and it is fantastic that Virgin Media are also going to be the presenting partner for the one of the most popular sports at the Games.”
As an Official Partner and Presenting Partner of Athletics for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, Virgin Media will help promote the Games in the company’s marketing and communications and will have a strong Games time brand presence.
Virgin Media employs around 800 staff in Bellshill, just east of Glasgow, making it one of the largest employers in the area. Virgin Media’s Bellshill office is one of the company’s centres of excellence for customer care and it’s also a major site for Virgin Media Business, providing cutting-edge telecommunications services for small to large businesses as well as to the public sector.
A pioneering programme aimed at helping professional athletes make the transition from top flight sport to successful long-term careers has been launched today (23 May).
The Athlete Career Enhancement Programme (ACE) has been set up by UK recruitment agency Search Consultancy – Glasgow 2014’s Official Recruitment Supporter – in order to help competitors bridge the often difficult gap between sporting and mainstream careers.
Supporting 14 athletes from across the home nations competing in Glasgow 2014, the scheme will match them to work placement opportunities with sponsors and businesses across the UK.
It will offer athletes who typically ‘retire’ at a young age placements with leading UK companies, businesses careers advice, workshops, and training – allowing them to benefit from the transferable skills between sport and business.
Athletes from across all sports and backgrounds aspiring to compete for their country at Glasgow 2014 are eligible for selection to the programme.
Open to up-and-coming or established competitors, including para-sport athletes, aged 18 years and over, the scheme will assist sportsmen and women who are keen to broaden their horizons, develop work and life skills, and explore future career ambitions in parallel with their training and competition schedule.
Athletes wishing to secure one of the 14 places up for grabs will be nominated by their national Commonwealth Games Association, with selections taking place later this year. In Scotland, Commonwealth Games Scotland will work in conjunction with the sportscotland institute of sport Performance Lifestyle Adviser team.
Simone Lockhart, Managing Director of Search Consultancy in Scotland, said: “As a recruitment specialist Search is keen to support and inspire athletes to benefit from exploring future career paths. Nearly all athletes will have to look at careers away from their sport at some point in their lifetime. Only a few are full-time and funded as professional athletes, many might already work part-time or are currently students in education. However, by applying the things they learn in sport their career opportunities are almost endless.
“Companies will benefit from their skills too, not only are there advantages such as a boost to staff morale and company pride, but also deeper learnings from sport to business such as team work, goal setting, time management, and learning from success and failure. It really is a win-win for both parties.”
At just 18 year’s of age the lure of a home Olympic Games was what drove Imogen Bankier to be the outstanding player she is now, with an impressive record that includes World silver medallist, European bronze medallist and 11 times Scottish Champion. But after a six year commitment to the British programme and a disappointing end to her Olympic dream, Bankier is back in Scotland and determined to reap her just rewards at Glasgow 2014.
“I was part of the successful GB programme for six years based at Milton Keynes and everything was leading towards London 2012″, says Bankier. “However I just didn’t feel things went our way and it was a huge disappointment. After the Games I really struggled to get on board with the GB plans for Rio and I wanted the chance to focus on Commonwealth Games for a couple of years before all guns blazing towards the next Olympics.”
“So I decided that coming back to Scotland would be a good move for me, where I could still train at a high level and really prepare for Glasgow 2014 in the way I wanted to. This did mean leaving the British programme and giving up my very successful partnership with Englishman Chris Adcock which was a shame, but it was the right thing to do.”
Imogen is now training for two hours, twice a day, five days a week at the National Badminton Academy at Scotstoun, venue at Games time for Squash and Table Tennis, and she is enjoying giving the men’s squad a run for their money.
“The training back here is really good, we have a great training facility and good support staff. The training for me is brilliant and I get to spar against the men on a daily basis which will be very good for my game. The new Commonwealth Games venues are coming on stream and there is a great atmosphere amongst all the athletes in the build-up which is brilliant to be a part of, and I would have missed this if I had stayed down south.”
Now in the hunt for a new mixed doubles partner, she is determined to take her time and find the right ingredients to create another winning combination. Potential candidates include Robert Blair, also a World silver medallist, who has also recently returned to the Scottish fold following a period representing England. Last month they had a notable victory winning the French International title.
“I have tried out a couple of new partnerships for mixed doubles and we have been quite successful but nothing is set in stone as there is still time before qualifying begins. I am also playing women’s doubles with a Bulgarian partner which is a new venture for me as I only concentrated on mixed previously and I am enjoying the new challenge which is good.”
So what was it about the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow that attracted her home to Scotland?
“Commonwealth Games will be massive. To have a Games in your home city is pretty special. I have already seen with the Olympics, just how much the nation was captivated and got behind us. I think that in Scotland we really enjoy our sport, so the atmosphere will be really special.”
“London was the most successful Olympic Games of all time and that wasn’t by chance. It was down to the way the public got behind the team and it is important that the Scottish public supports Team Scotland and spurs them on to winning more medals.”
“I think that we can also have a legacy from 2014 and it is one of the most important things for me. If somebody can watch us play badminton and be inspired to pick up a racket and try the sport and get involved whether it is in their garden or by joining a club, then its job done.”
Imogen is in the thick of the Sudirman Cup World Mixed Team Championships in Kuala Lumpur this week (19-26 May). So far Scotland’s campaign is going well with early round victories over Russia and the USA giving them a commanding lead in Group 2A and auguring well for their progression through the group stages.
Looking forward Imogen said: “I am not sure if I have qualified for the World Championships in August yet, but either way I will have a wee break after that before the competition season starts again in September. The focus will then be fully on Commonwealth Games qualifying, and it will be pretty busy getting ready for the Games.”
Whilst there is still over 12 months to go, what is clear, is that Imogen will do everything within her power to ensure she isn’t disappointed with her “home Games” experience second time around.
You can follow Imogen on Twitter @imogenbankier
Photo Credit: Badminton Scotland
Motherwell’s Caroline Brown is eager to begin her bid for a place in Team Scotland competing in next summer’s Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
The team’s bowling selection period opens this weekend at the 4 Nations Test event in Kelvingrove (Fri 31 May – Sun 2 June, practice Thurs 30 May) and Brown is one of 20 Scottish players in action.
“It makes it that wee bit more special that it is a home Games and for sure everybody will be pushing to get a place in the team,” she said. “So these test events are a big opportunity.”
Brown, who works for NHS Lanarkshire, was part of the successful Scottish team which landed six medals, three of them gold, in last year’s World Championships in Adelaide and the plan is to keep the momentum going all the way to Glasgow next summer.
“We had great success at the World Championships at the end of last year and we can build on that for the Commonwealth Games for next year,” said Brown, who helped the Fours win gold and the Triples to bronze.
Bowls is a core Commonwealth Games sport and since 1930 Scottish bowlers have won 13 gold, 7 silver and 8 bronze medals. Brown was part of Team Scotland which competed in the Delhi 2010 Games but returned home without medals.
In the subsequent period Bowls Scotland has worked hard to change the way it prepares its elite players and the fine results at the Worlds were a direct result.
“The Delhi Commonwealth Games was a good experience which we hope to build on next year with the Commonwealth games being in Glasgow,” she continues.
“We didn’t achieve any medals but we’ve been building and working on that ever since. We now get one to one coaching from David Gourlay (Bowls Scotland Head Coach) which makes a big difference.
“And a lot of the work has gone into team building and improving team harmony. We have a great bond within the team; we all get on very well which makes a difference to being successful.”
Another essential part of preparing the team for the Glasgow 2014 Games is spending time practicing and competing on the newly laid greens of Kelvingrove, the iconic venue for the Games. The players have already had a squad session and individual practice on the greens but this weekend will be the first opportunity to play them in a competition.
“It’s great having a home games in Glasgow,” added Brown. “And we have a great opportunity being able to train at Kelvingrove.
“It’s an excellent setting and although it’s only the start of the season the greens are running very well.
“We need to take the opportunity to practise and get in as many competitive games as we can and play on these green as often as we can to build up the home advantage.
For more information on Lawn Bowls go to www.bowlsscotland.com
Photo Credit: Rob Eyton-Jones
Peter Kirkbride is no stranger to the Commonwealth Games, having competed at both a Youth Games (Bendigo) and two senior Games (Melbourne & Delhi), but he knows more than anyone that the journey to Glasgow won’t be easy.
“My first Commonwealth Games – the Youth Games, I won gold, but I wasn’t happy with my performance”, he says. “In Melbourne, I broke my wrist then in India I missed out on the gold by one kilo so you could say the Commonwealth Games has always been an emotional ride for me. We’ll see what happens in Glasgow – it’s just your luck on the day, and how hard you’ve been working towards it.”
“It would mean a lot more to make the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games as it’s in Scotland”, he continues. “I have the experience of two Games behind me and what’s Scotland going to be like, on home soil? It will be an absolutely fantastic experience and hopefully I am going to be a part of that.”
The Commonwealth Games is an important competition for Peter, with the 2014 Games taking place not far from his home in Ayrshire. “I am determined to make the Games and be a part of Team Scotland”, says Kirkbride. “As soon as I got off the plane after Melbourne, I was straight back to the gym to work even harder to make it to the next Games. What’s for you won’t pass you by and each Games for me has been a learning curve. I’ve got stronger and stronger at each Games.”
“It’s a whole different electricity to compete at a home Games. I got a taste of it in London with the Olympic experience, so I can only imagine how great it will be up in Scotland with the saltires flying. London was absolutely fantastic, but it will be even better here. I live just half an hour from Glasgow, and all my friends and family will be there along with the Scottish public.”
At the 2010 Games in Delhi, Peter put in a fantastic performance to win the silver medal, and in the process entertained spectators as he passionately celebrated his achievement. At Glasgow, which would be his third senior Games, Peter is aiming to go one better and win gold in front of his home crowd.
Peter said: “My medal is in my house, I’ve still to frame it as every so often you get someone wanting you to bring it in to show at the local school or someone wants a picture of you with it. I’ll keep it unframed now in the hope I can add to it.”
“We are working in the gym on a few bits and pieces to make sure I’m at the level I need to be. We’re working on styles, as I changed it a lot before the Olympics. I was still developing it on the road to London; there’s always something changing like my grip or my stance. Hopefully I can get it all nailed this year to where it should be and then focus on building towards 2014.”
You can follow Peter on Twitter @KirkbridePeter
Photo Credit: Alistair Devine
Two-thirds of tickets to experience the action and thrills of the Commonwealth Games will be priced at £25 or less, it was revealed today.
Announcing a family-friendly ticketing strategy focused on delivering packed stadia and a ‘Games for Everyone’, the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee unveiled that access to sporting events at one of the world’s greatest multi-sports Games will start from just £15 for adults.
Half-price concessions will also be available for children – a Commonwealth Games first – and the over-60s.
The price of a ticket includes access to public transport in the local area on the day of your event.
At a launch briefing in the city today attended by Olympic and Commonwealth athletes, Glasgow 2014 promised a simple and accessible ticketing process and pledged that at least 70% of all tickets to all sporting events would be available to the public.
The Games Competition Schedule was revealed for the first time and it gets off to a flying start with 12 sports on Day One, including Swimming and Track Cycling. The first weekend will be very busy with both Rugby Sevens and Weightlifting expected to attract peak audiences.
It was also announced that the ticketing process will launch on August 19, 2013 and ticket applications can be made online with debit or credit cards. A postal application service will also be available.
Former Commonwealth and Olympic athletes David Carry and Rhona Simpson backed the Ticketing Programme and joined Olympic, Commonwealth and World champion triple-jumper Jonathan Edwards at the launch this morning (13 May).
Announcing the Ticketing Programme, Glasgow 2014 Chairman, Lord Smith of Kelvin, said: “This is a big day for Glasgow 2014 and one that has taken a substantial amount of planning. This isn’t just about selling a million tickets. It’s about making the Games accessible to all. We have spent many months designing a Ticketing Programme that reflects the vision and values of Glasgow 2014. Today’s the day we set out our stall.
“We have listened and learnt from previous Commonwealth Games as well as the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We’ve also conducted our own research. We’ve thought long and hard about the pricing, the process by which you’ll buy tickets, but also the way we communicate.
“This is a Games for everyone. And by that I mean success not just for the Organising Committee and our partners, but also for the people of Glasgow, Scotland and the Commonwealth.”
Glasgow 2014 Deputy Chief Executive, Ty Speer, said:“Our focus in developing a Ticketing Programme for Glasgow 2014 has been to make these the most family-friendly, accessible and inclusive Games we possibly can. That means having a simple, straightforward application process, a pricing structure which is accessible and methods of payment which do not exclude anyone.
“Glasgow 2014 presents the opportunity to enjoy a festival of world-class sport. We want to have our venues packed with people who can experience the excitement and action of elite sporting performances at first hand and be part of the action.
“We want to be a good host and give the warm and passionate welcome that we owe to our athletes and which they deserve. Our Ticketing Programme is designed to make sure that happens.”
Three-time Olympian and double Commonwealth champion swimmer, David Carry, said: “Having experienced the spine-tingling and unforgettable atmosphere of London 2012 and the passion of crowds at previous Commonwealth Games, I have no doubt that the athletes hoping to take part in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will have something incredibly special to look forward to.
“Having packed stadia and enthusiastic crowds is what absolutely makes for an electric atmosphere at competition time – and that can really impact positively on performance. I know Scotland’s swimmers will enjoy the home advantage of a Scottish crowd shouting, screaming and supporting.
“I also know that Scottish supporters will make the Games a warm, welcoming and once-in-a-lifetime experience for all the athletes. It will be a really special time for them and for Glasgow. It is great that the ticketing policy at Glasgow 2014 is making it as accessible as possible for people to be part of making Glasgow 2014 the wonderful celebration of sport that I know it will be.”
Everyone will have the opportunity to apply for the tickets they want over a four week period when the ticketing process opens later this summer.
An allocation of tickets has also been earmarked for special distribution to identified groups and communities. More details will be announced this summer.
Kilwinning’s Michelle Cooper is in good form ahead of this weekend’s 4 Nations Test event at Kelvingrove (Fri 31 May – Sun 2 June, practice Thurs 30 May) which marks the official opening of Team Scotland’s selection period for the Glasgow 2014 Games.
The 26 year old was Lead in the World Championships winning Scottish Fours in Adelaide last December. Since then she has kept the results flowing right through the winter, consistently reaching finals in domestic events and the quarter finals of the World Cup in Warilla, Australia.
She admits that this is the most important year of her life so far with the opportunity to play for Team Scotland now imminent.
“This is a very important season for me because everything is geared towards Glasgow 2014”, says Cooper who was part of Team Scotland at the Delhi Games in 2010.
“So it is competitions all the time and I need to keep getting good results to keep myself at a high level so I get the qualification to get into the team for Glasgow.”
“For Delhi a lot of my family couldn’t travel, but playing in Glasgow in front of a crowd should be enough to spur you on, knowing that your friends and family are able to go too.”
Bowls is a core Commonwealth Games sport and since 1930 Scottish bowlers have won 13 gold, 7 silver and 8 bronze medals.
The Delhi Games were not the best for Scotland who uncharacteristically came home without any medals. But in the subsequent period Bowls Scotland took a hard look at itself and introduced one to one coaching for its elite players and integrated sportscotland institute of sport support.
Things have since turned full circle with the new approach helping the team deliver six medals, three of them gold, in last year’s World Championships.
Bowls Scotland Head Coach David Gourlay has assembled the nucleus of his World Championships team for this week’s 4 Nations, but recognising that the conditions in Glasgow will be completely different from Australia he will select the team to match.
With Gourlay’s elite squad all vying for Team Scotland places there is a level of expectation on Cooper. But she is unfazed, even admitting to quite liking the pressure.
“I’m already in the elite squad but it’s important to keep up my standard of play because there are a lot of folk in the squad that are wanting my place”, added Cooper.”
“Scotland has a lot of very good bowlers, and in the elite squad now everybody is capable of beating each other. But I quite like being under a wee bit of pressure.”
“Glasgow is the one everybody is aiming for and competing in your own country is going to be magic.”
For more information on Lawn Bowls go to: www.bowlsscotland.com
Photo Credit: Rob Eyton-Jones
Fleet-footed hockey forward Alan Forsyth admits he can’t help but dream about scoring a winning goal for Team Scotland at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Forsyth has scored many a goal for club and country, but the prospect of scoring for Scotland in Glasgow would rank as his finest achievement.
“I do enjoy scoring”, smiled Forsyth, part of the all-conquering Glynhill Kelburne side, which continues to dominate the Scottish club scene. “As a forward you need to dream about scoring a winning goal as if you don’t then it won’t happen. You need to visualise it and then it might just turn out.”
“The goal that sticks out for me was in the 2012 Scottish Cup Final when I scored with two minutes to go and that won the game. There is video footage of everyone going crazy and it would be amazing to do that in a Scotland jersey when it matters most at the Commonwealth Games.”
The 21-year-old from Paisley saw the impact of a home Commonwealth crowd first-hand when competing at the Delhi 2010 Games. Then just 18, Forsyth still has vivid memories of lining up against host nation India.
He added: “The stadium was packed full with 16,000 people and it was a night game under the floodlights. I remember standing on the pitch as the whole stadium stood to sing the Indian anthem. I was looking round thinking, look at what we’re involved in. Hopefully in 2014 it will be exactly the same, but with everyone there for us.”
“A home Commonwealth Games is amazing, with your mates and your family coming along to cheer you on. Hearing the crowd motivates you a lot as you know there are people there supporting you. It was great to see so many people at the hockey during the Olympics and I’m sure it will have the same impact in the Commonwealth Games.”
Forsyth combines hockey with study, completing a Broadcast Production degree at the University of the West of Scotland.
Scotland’s coaching staff will also be taking a studious approach in their preparations for Glasgow and Forsyth will have no escape from the tactics board, with his father Derek recently appointed the Head Coach.
“He is harder on me and on my brother David when he’s involved, but I wouldn’t expect anything less”, said Alan Forsyth. “Everyone knows that when I get picked in the squad it’s not because I’m his son; it’s because they know I’m good enough as he would quite happily drop me if I wasn’t.
“For him, it’s obviously a proud moment that his son is in the squad he is coaching and my mum will be happy that we are all away!”
Mrs Forsyth will have plenty of opportunities for respite this year, most notably with the FIH World League Round Two in France in May and the EuroHockey Championships in Belgium in August.
You can follow Alan on Twitter @7Forsyth
Photo Credit: Rob Eyton-Jones
Sensational shooter Jen McIntosh finished as Team Scotland’s most celebrated female medallist at her last Commonwealth Games outing and is desperate for further success at Glasgow 2014.
McIntosh won two gold and a bronze at the Delhi 2010 Games as Team Scotland’s shooters enjoyed a record-breaking nine medal haul which saw them finish as top Scottish sport.
She said: “It was an incredible experience, it doesn’t really get much better than that. I don’t remember much about it as it was such a blur of emotions, relief and disbelief at the same time. It was a fairytale-come-true where you have to pinch yourself to remind yourself this is actually happening.
“Being part of Team Scotland is special and it doesn’t matter what sport you are from, there is that sense that you are all part of one team and that is really nice.”
“When people ask me where I’m from I always say I’m from Scotland, it’s really important to me to be able to compete at the top level for my country. It’s nice competing for GB, but I am Scottish and proud to compete for Scotland.”
The Commonwealth Games is a family affair for the 21-year-old, her mother Shirley winning gold and silver at the 1994 Games then bronze in 1998 in Kuala Lumpur, whilst her father Donald represented Scotland in Manchester in 2002 and is now the Shooting Team Manager for Glasgow 2014, having been the smallbore rifle head coach in Delhi.
“Commonwealth Games has always been a big part of our family life, it’s important to all of us and that makes it really special”, added McIntosh, who grew up in Falkirk and first honed her skills with the Dollar Academy cadets.
“I have vague memories of my mum coming home from the Commonwealth Games in 1994 when I was three. She gave me her medal and I thought, I want one. I watched the opening ceremony at Kuala Lumpur in 1998 on the TV and was shouting there’s my mum!”.
“I was also in Manchester for the opening ceremony in 2002 and to see the reaction the English competitors got from their home crowd was incredible. I was already looking forward to the home Games experience in 2014 and competing at the London 2012 Olympics made me realise how amazing a home crowd can be. I am sure Glasgow will be even better.”
Now based in Aberdeen and training full-time, McIntosh has a hectic schedule ahead with three World Cup events, the British Championships and the European Championships within a three month period over the summer.
McIntosh said: “I’ve a mad few months ahead, but at each event, I’ll be aiming to set the mark and qualify for Glasgow.”
Such is her focus and determination, few would bet against her doing just that.
You can follow Jen on Twitter @JenMac600
Photo Credit: Alistair Devine