Former Scotland rugby captain Gavin Hastings today (1 October) launched an exclusive programme developed to inspire, coach and motivate Scotland’s next generation of star athletes.

‘Achieve 2014’ will mentor young sports stars of the future, using Glasgow 2014 as a learning experience and a springboard for their emerging talent.

Developed and managed by Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) and supported by Search Consultancy – Glasgow 2014’s official recruitment agency – the Achieve programme will identify promising young athletes from a range of different Commonwealth Games sports to give them the inside track on the Games.

The aspiring athletes will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Glasgow 2014 as part of a structured learning and development programme incorporating coaching and mentorship in preparation for their participation in future major sporting events.

The ultimate aim of the programme is to propel youngsters onto sporting success by preparing them for the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa, the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games in St Lucia and the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast.

The group of 126 athletes and their coaches will not compete in Glasgow 2014, but will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes view of what it’s like to be involved, through a programme of training and mentoring, led by experienced practitioners from across Scottish sport.

The Achieve programme has a proven track record, having been first rolled out at the Delhi Games in 2010. Many of the 28 athletes involved have gone on to greater sporting success, with several tipped for selection for Team Scotland at Glasgow 2014, including long jumper Jade Nimmo who was announced as one of the first 27 athletes selected last week. Several of the coaches and mentors from the Achieve programme in Delhi will play a prominent role with Team Scotland next summer.

The recruitment process fo Achieve athletes, which will be done in conjunction with the governing bodies of sport, is due to be completed by the end of March 2014.

Achieve-News.jpg
The ‘Achieve 2014’ programme was officially launched at Scotstoun Stadium today alongside ‘Achieve 2014’ ambassador Gavin Hastings as well as athletes Jade Nimmo (Long Jump), Georgina Black (Weightlifting) and Michael Bremner (Hockey). Each of the athletes went through the Achieve programme at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Georgina and Michael are both hopeful of being selected alongside Jade for Glasgow 2014.

Gavin Hastings said: “We have a wealth of sporting talent in Scotland, and it’s vital that we harness this talent and give our young athletes every opportunity to achieve future sporting success for Scotland.

“The programme is already demonstrating that it is meeting its objectives with Jade being selected for Scotland’s 2014 Commonwealth Games team, and both Georgina and Michael pushing for selection as well.

“These young athletes are showing that we can raise our sporting levels through investing in talent and providing structured mentoring and support.

“It is fantastic to be an ambassador for the programme as it expands its reach into other sports and I really hope young athletes across the country exploit this opportunity and deliver future sporting success for Scotland on the world stage.”

‘Achieve 2014’ programme director Alan Lynn said: “‘Achieve 2014’ will give a group of young athletes and their coaches an exclusive behind the scenes experience of a multi-sport games.

“The inaugural programme in Delhi was a great success, with a number of athletes, coaches and mentors hoping to play a significant role for Team Scotland at Glasgow 2014.

“Thanks to the support of Search Consultancy, the continued investment and delivery of ‘Achieve 2014’ will further support our best young athletes and aspiring coaches at a key stage in their personal development. I believe the knowledge and experience they’ll gain as part of this programme will be the ideal preparation, enabling them to represent Scotland with distinction at future Commonwealth Games.”

CGS and Search Consultancy have worked in partnership to further develop and enhance the programme, ensuring it provides the best possible support to Scotland’s next generation of sporting stars.

Search managing director Simone Lockhart said: “As the official recruitment consultancy for Glasgow 2014, we are very excited to be involved in the development of ‘Achieve 2014’.

“We are working closely with Commonwealth Games Scotland to enhance the programme and ensure it provides the best possible experience to Scotland’s next generation of sporting stars.”

Meggan Dawson-Farrell may have spent most of her teenage years rolling around a smooth athletics track, but her life as a whole has been nothing short of a bumpy ride. Currently aged 20 and aiming to make Team Scotland for next summer’s Commonwealth Games, Meggan was born with Spina Bifida and has consequently spent a significant portion of her life receiving medical treatment. However, she has found great comfort and success in Wheelchair Racing in the T54/57 category.

“I didn’t do any sport until High School because they didn’t know how to adapt their sessions for me. At 13, my Mum dragged me to a Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) Camp; I went kicking and screaming because I thought I couldn’t do anything. It’s funny, Mum actually had to book a hotel along the road incase I ran away.”

“Well it turns out I got to try loads of different sports and I actually loved it. I was spotted by Lynne Glen (SDS Regional Disability Manager) and she took me to a local Wheelchair Racing club and it has really blossomed since then, – haven’t turned back once.”

Living in Alloa with her biggest fans – Mum and Dad, Meggan burst onto the scene by finishing ninth in the 2012 London Wheelchair Marathon, claiming the Scottish record. Going from strength to strength, Meggan is now an established world class wheelchair racer over multiple distances, holding the Scottish record for every distance from the 400 meters to the marathon.

On race day, “On a mission” by Gabriella Cilmi is frequently played full blast in Meggan’s car and this could well be the theme tune to her life. Undergoing a remarkable four brain operations last Christmas, she has amazingly pushed on from fighting for her life to fighting for a place on Team Scotland and is now focused on making it onto the Glasgow 2014 podium.

“At first my mission was just to get through the heat, then it was make the final. Now the aim is to medal.”

In September, Meggan completed the Great North Run Half Marathon in 1.16 minutes despite the poor weather conditions. With her place on Team Scotland now confimed, she will go into the off-season with her eyes set on winning a Commonwealth Games medal in ten months time.

You can follow Meggan on Twitter @SpiderMonkey165

Photo Credit: Scottish Athletics

With only 300 days to go until the start of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) announced the first 27 athletes to be selected to represent Team Scotland.

After a busy and successful summer of sporting action across all 17 sports on the Games programme, athletes from two sports have now produced the necessary performances to lay claim to a coveted place on the Team, for what promises to be an amazing home Games.

Scottish Athletics have had 23 athletes named today, alongside four squash players and a total of 19 will make their Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow.

The first athletes with their names inked on the team sheet are marathon runners Susan Partridge and Derek Hawkins, who posted the required times back in April at the London Marathon. Susan, who went on to finish 10th at this year’s World Championships in Moscow is set to be one of the oldest Scottish representatives in athletics at a Commonwealth Games at the age of 34.

Derek Hawkins the Kilbarchan AAC athlete was Scottish Cross Country champion in 2011 and 2012 but moved to the marathon late in 2012 making a very impressive debut at the distance in Germany with 2.14. Derek then was the best British finisher in the 2013 London Marathon.

On the track Scotland’s women have also had a stellar season with 2010 silver medallist 400m hurdler Eilidh Child, Eilish McColgan in the steeplechase and Laura Muir at 800m and 1500m all making their mark in international competition. 2010 bronze medallist Steph Twell has continued to make a strong recovery from serious injury to secure her place in the 5000m and will be joined by Laura Whittle.

Laura Muir, the veterinary medicine student from Glasgow University, has had a huge 2013. She reached the final of the European Indoors at 1500m, won bronze at the European U23s at the same distance in Finland and was then selected for Great Britain at the World Championships at 800m, where she reached the semi-finals.

There is also good news for the women, who have had their 4x400m relay place confirmed, with athletes to be named next year.

Scotland’s 800m champion Guy Learmonth grew up in the Scottish Borders playing rugby with British Lion Stuart Hogg. He posted two late-season qualifying standard performances at the two-lap distance after missing out on the European U23 Championships earlier in the summer much to his frustration. He is one of only two men’s track representatives announced today, along with USA based Chris O’Hare in the 1500m.

Team Scotland is also set to be well represented on the track in the Para-Sport events for the very first time.

Libby Clegg will compete in the T12 100m and would love to add to her collection of major championship medals when she makes her debut for Scotland in Glasgow. Educated at the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh, Libby won silver at the Paralympics in London and then two more silvers at the IPC World Champs in Lyon over 100m and 200m this summer.

20-year-old Meggan Dawson-Farrell from Alloa is an established world-class wheelchair athlete who will compete in the T54 1500m at Hampden Park. The qualifying standard for Scottish athletes is at 4.31 and Meggan has been under four minutes on a couple of occasions in the past season, despite undergoing extensive surgery this year. Meggan holds the Scottish record for every distance from the 400m to the Marathon. She will be joined in this event by 17 year old Samantha Kinghorn from Kelso, the youngest athlete to be selected so far. Her achievements since taking up the sport 12 months ago, following a freak accident, are nothing short of remarkable, going from a beginner to a fully fledged international para-athlete ranked second in Europe in her T53 classification. She will compete up a classification in Glasgow.

The growing strength of Scottish athletes in field events shows in the11 athletes who also booked their places on the team. They include three Hammer throwers, Mark Dry, Andy Frost and Susan McKelvie (with Mark heading the Commonwealth rankings); four High Jumpers (Allan Smith, David Smith, Jayne Nisbet and Emma Nuttall); two Long Jumpers (Jade Nimmo and Sarah Warnock); and the new Scottish record holder in the Pole Vault, Jax Thoirs. 18-year- old Nick Percy from the Isle of Wight qualifies in the Discus despite having just stepped up to senior level this year. He is a double medallist from the last Commonwealth Youth Games in Isle of Man in 2011.

The four squash players, who have had their selection confirmed, have great experience particularly in doubles events, with three of them having represented Team Scotland before at a total of five Commonwealth Games. After finishing just outside the medals in Delhi, they are determined to go at least one better. Alan Clyne will compete in all three squash events including the men’s singles, whilst Harry Leitch and Alex Clark will compete in doubles and Frania Gillen-Buchert in women’s doubles and mixed doubles.

Making the announcement Team Scotland Chef de Mission, Jon Doig said: “I am extremely pleased to announce the first 27 athletes selected for Team Scotland. We have witnessed some amazing performances from athletes this summer striving to secure their places to represent Team Scotland at our home Games next year.

“Congratulations to each and every one of them and they can now go into their winter training period fully focused on reaching their peak performance next July in front of a fired-up home crowd.

“I am confident that over the next nine months they will be joined by a record number of fellow Scots, as we aim to have our largest and most successful team ever at Glasgow 2014.”

Adding her congratulations, Commonwealth Games and Sports Minister Shona Robison said: “I congratulate the first athletes selected to represent Team Scotland at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. This announcement marks an important step for Team Scotland and I wish all other Scottish athletes good luck as they aim to follow these 27 athletes to Glasgow.

“As the excitement and anticipation for these Games builds across the country, I look forward to watching our athletes compete at Scotland’s biggest ever sporting event. I’m confident that with the significant investment fromsportscotland, our high performance athletes, combined with their own commitment and dedication to their sports, will ensure that Team Scotland shines in Glasgow and have their best ever Games.”

Many of the athletes announced today have benefited from the support of sportscotland the national agency for sport and in particular from the high performance support and expertise provided by the sportscotland institute of sport.

Endorsing the selections, Chief Executive of sportscotland Stewart Harris, said: “Congratulations to all 27 athletes who have been selected for Team Scotland. The first selection announcement by Commonwealth Games Scotland means we are fast approaching the Opening Ceremony, so it is a really exciting time for sport in this country.

“All the Games partners are collaborating closely to deliver a magnificent event for the people of Scotland next summer, and the work being done by the experts at the sportscotland institute of sport and the Scottish governing bodies of sport ensures that Team Scotland’s athletes will be the best ever prepared going into a Commonwealth Games.”

Nigel Holl, CEO, scottishathletics commented: “In adding the congratulations of the Governing Body to all the athletes, their coaches and support teams, can I emphasis both the opportunity and responsibility that comes with this early selection. These 23 athletes have earned the right to now plan and prepare across the heavy winter training period and into the Commonwealth Season with the specific aim of performing to their best when it counts – Hampden Park or the surrounding Marathon roads in July next summer. They deserve to be smiling today – they have earned this selection through years of hard work, commitment and sacrifice. They will also know that harder work, bigger challenges, and further commitment lies ahead!

“Five of the athletes selected and announced today had the experience of the World Championships in Moscow earlier this summer, and they all showed how to step up and perform on the biggest stage when it counts. Glasgow next year for the whole team is that “biggest stage”, and I know the athletes selected today, and those that will follow later in the selection window, will strive to perform to their best and be heroes and heroines to young people across Scotland.”

SELECTED ATHLETES
ATHLETICS:
Susan Partridge, Marathon (Sowerby Bridge)
Derek Hawkins, Marathon (Elderslie)
Libby Clegg, T12 100m (Newcastleton)
Eilidh Child, 400m Hurdles (Kinross)
Guy Learmonth 800m (Berwick upon Tweed)
Chris O’Hare 1500m (West Linton)
Laura Muir, 1500m (Milnathort, Kinross)
Meggan Dawson-Farrell, T54 1500m (Tullibody)
Samantha Kinghorn, T54 1500m (Kelso)
Eilish McColgan 3000m Steeplechase (Carnoustie)
Laura Whittle, 5000m (Loughborough)
Stephanie Twell, 5000m (Twickenham)
Mark Dry, Hammer (Moray)
Andrew Frost, Hammer, (Broxburn)
Susan McKelvie, Hammer, (Broxburn)
Nicholas Percy, Discus (Isle of Wight)
Allan Smith, High Jump (Edinburgh)
David Smith, High Jump (Barrhead, Glasgow)
Jayne Nisbet, High Jump (Edinburgh)
Emma Nuttall, High Jump (Edinburgh)
Jade Nimmo, Long Jump (Falkirk)
Sarah Warnock, Long Jump (Prestonpans)
Jax Thoirs, Pole Vault (Glasgow)

Women’s 4x400m Relay

SQUASH:
Alan Clyne, Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles (Inverness/Edinburgh)
Harry Leitch, Men’s Doubles (Edinburgh)
Frania Gillen-Buchert, Women’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles (Edinburgh)
Alexandra Clark, Women’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles (Edinburgh)

Lesley Paterson, aged 32, is a self labeled, “failed triathlete” who owns a film production company out in California, along with a mountain bike coaching firm patriotically labeled Braveheart Coaching. Lesley spends her days rubbing shoulders with the likes of Morgan Freeman and Johnny Depp, working out in the California mountains, co-ordinating her business activity and has recently added professional mountain biker to her lengthy to-do-list.

“Managing time is tough but I seem to do better with mental stimulus and keeping myself busy with things to do. I have a bunch of funny stories, like training all morning and then going to big time movie sets and meeting famous movie stars with my sticky, sweaty cycling kit still on.”

Born and raised in Bridge of Allan, near Stirling, Lesley grew up immersed in sport. Triathlon was the main focus in her teenage years and she went on a personal mission to make the Commonwealth Games Scotland team in 2002, but rapidly fell out of favour with the sport when she was not selected.

“I became disillusioned with the sport when I didn’t make the team and decided to move to San Diego to study”, Lesley said. “I spent a few years filmmaking and did a whole load of weird and wonderful things which rejuvenated my passion for life really. I’m a really driven person and I channeled that through endurance sports for a while. When I got that passion back I started running, and was just doing it for myself.”

“It use to be that during a triathlon race, I would always loose time on the bike and make it up on the run, so three years ago I got into mountain biking. Then all of a sudden I won quite a few big races and I was like ‘Oh wow I can actually ride a bike!’”

Lesley’s next step on her mountain bike journey took place when she entered a UCI National Series event in her home state of California: “I actually ran before the race. I definitely didn’t realise the enormity of the event and when I arrived all these big name Olympians were there and I was like oh my gosh I’m going to thrashed.”

“I had to start at the very back because I didn’t have any UCI points, but throughout the race I picked them off one by one and managed to bridge the gap to the leaders and ended up winning by 20 seconds. Everybody was like ‘who the hell is this girl?’”

After failing to make the Commonwealth Games in triathlon, Lesley has since managed to turn her weakness into her strength and will hopefully assuage her disappointment next summer, as a serious contender for a starting place in the cross-country mountain biking at Cathkin Braes.

“If I had to summarise my sporting career so far, I would say that I became disillusioned with triathlon and then rediscovered sport which was a spring board into mountain biking.”

Last weekend, Lesley successfully defended her Xterra US National Title. Xterra is an off-road version of triathlon and she will go into the Xterra World Championships next month knowing she is in contention for a place in the Team Scotland Mountain Bike squad for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

You can follow Lesley on Twitter @lesleydoestri

Photo Credit: Lesley Ann-Webster

Two University of Stirling Mathematics students are one step closer to competing at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games after a stunning showing in London.

Third year students Marc Austin and Grant Sheldon finished second and third respectively after a thrilling sprint to the line at the World Junior Triathlon Grand Final at Hyde Park.

The duo will now make the transition to the Olympic distance format in a bid to earn selection for the Glasgow games next July. That will effectively mean doubling their efforts as the Olympic distance comprises a 1,500m swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run – double the distance of the Junior sprint competition.

“I don’t think I can double my workload, but maybe just squeeze in a few more miles on the run”, joked 19-year-old Austin, from Scotstoun. “It’s not so much about doing more training, but about learning the tactics of the race over that distance.”

“Before the weekend I had not let myself think about the Commonwealth Games, I just stayed focused on doing well in London. Now that’s done, all my attention over the next nine months will be focused on qualifying for Glasgow 2014.”

“It was quite surreal to have two people who train together on a podium, let alone at the World Championships. It’s been great to have the competition from a team-mate as it really keeps you on your toes. It was nice to finish our junior racing on a high.”

For Sheldon, it was particularly sweet, having overcome a series of demoralising injuries in recent years. Everything from a damaged elbow to a broken thumb and shin trouble has scuppered the 19-year-old’s hopes of standing atop an international podium before London.

He said: “The last time I was injured I found it difficult, but I just told myself to get through it without fussing. It has been a continual progression to recover to full fitness and it was cool to finally execute a race and do what I knew I can do. I was quite relaxed and felt good going into the run and I actually didn’t realise it was just the three of us out in front until one kilometre to go.”

“To medal at this race was part of the selection process for the Commonwealth Games and so it puts your name out there for the selectors. I’m looking forward to the step up to Olympic distance now – I’m not too worried about the change of distance as I can remember how long the junior distance first felt and now it feels like a sprint.”

Sheldon hails from Hamilton, just a stone’s throw from the Glasgow 2014 triathlon venue Strathclyde Park. Before he can dream of donning his wetsuit there, he and Austin will dip their toe in the water over the new distance at the 2013 Alicante ITU Triathlon World Cup on Sunday 29 September.

And the pair don’t need to look too far for inspiration on how to make the step up, with Stirling graduate David McNamee finishing 16th in the World Triathlon Series Rankings whilst Sports Coaching student Natalie Milne made the top 50 in her first senior season.

Milne, Austin and Sheldon all receive triathlon scholarships from Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence and from national scholarships Winning Students. The trio train at the National Performance Centre on campus, run by triathlonscotland.

Assistant National Coach Blair Cartmell said: “To have two Scottish athletes who train together, live together and study together both on the podium of a World Junior Championship is a simply outstanding result. It is an extremely high level of racing and to perform the way they did in front of a home crowd makes it even more special. They both work so hard and thoroughly deserve the success they have achieved.”

You can follow Marc on Twitter @marcja94

Photo Credit: British Triahtlon

Signing for Scotland 7s is 27 times capped player, Michael Fedo’s most proud career achievement to date. His next goal is to be selected for Team Scotland in the rugby sevens squad and compete at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

He said: “It was a real aspiration of mine to play professionally for Scotland 7s, and when I got asked it was class. It gives me a chance to succeed in a sport I love.”

“Being selected for Team Scotland would be a really proud moment, another mark of success in my career. I’m constantly striving to achieve selection.”

A product of Bell Baxter High School and Howe of Fife Rugby Club, both of which are situated in Cupar in Fife, Fedo was a member of the schools team who won the under-18 Bell Lawrie White Schools Cup in 2006/07 and the Scottish Schools 7s Cup the same year. He was also in the club side that won the under-18 National Youth League Cup that season.

His sevens prowess was originally recognised by his Watsonian coach, Bruce Atchison, before Stephen Gemmell asked him to join the Scotland 7s squad following a Gael Force match in the 2009/10 British & Irish Cup.

Fedo continued: “Bruce thought the way I played rugby was suited to the abbreviated game so he got me involved with Samurai International and his sevens side for the Kings of the Sevens Series.”

“In 2010 we [Samurai International] won the Middlesex 7s, the GB7s series and Watsonians won the Kings of the Sevens Series.”

Playing for Scotland 7s has taken 23 year old Fedo all over the world; most recently he competed in the Rugby World Cup 7s in Moscow. Between the Rugby World Cup Sevens and the HSBC Sevens World Series he has become known for his energy across the pitch and try scoring ability. He has racked up some 225 points scoring 45 tries.

However, the attraction of competing in a home multi-sport event is a real driver.

Fedo said: “You realise how fortunate you are to represent your country around the world when you speak to your friends who are working back at home.”

“But, Glasgow 2014 is a unique event and to be there, playing in front of a home crowd, will be a once in a lifetime opportunity. I want to keep improving and building on my game both in a team context and as an individual to ensure I’m there next July.”

In the spirit of the Commonwealth Games and with Scotland’s aim to create a legacy in sport in mind, Fedo is aware of his performances having an impact on the next generation of rugby players.

He concluded: “Growing up, when a player was successful playing for Scotland it inspired me. I was a big fan of Budge Poutney, I enjoyed watching him play. So to know that I could have an impact on someone else makes me really proud.”

You can follow Michael on Twitter @MichaelFedo

Photo Credit: Scottish Rugby

An impressive Scottish team heads to the USA this week (14-30 September) for a test event which counts as part of the selection process for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Alex Marshall, Paul Foster, David Peacock, Caroline Brown, Michelle Cooper and Margaret Letham stand out from a team list which reads like a who’s who of Scottish bowling. But amongst them are less recognisable players, or at least for the moment.

Becky Craig, a 26 year old from Alloa in Clackmannanshire, is not a household name but is progressing well and, at the 8 Nations in Glasgow, won the Pairs gold medal with Lorraine Malloy.

“Winning the gold medal at Kelvingrove certainly ranks as one of the highlights”, says Craig, who began aged nine. Along the way she played football with Stirling’s Forthbank girls team before focussing on just bowls.

There is a serious edge to this month’s competition across the Atlantic. Bowls Scotland’s National Coach, David Gourlay is aiming to keep his elite squad match tight.

“It’s about extending the grass season for Scotland’s elite squad, at a time when the game traditionally winds down in Scotland, as well as winning matches”, says Gourlay.

“Our challenge at this stage of the season is to find non-Commonwealth countries that can give us high level competition. The USA Test in particular is about maintaining our focus on grass greens and we know we will get a high level of competition in all of these games.”

For the Scots the USA Test is part of the selection process for the Glasgow 2014 Games, which began this spring and ends next April, when the final five men and women will be picked.

Craig has been part of that process since it opened in April. A mother to two young children she has had to get used to juggling family commitments with twice monthly squad training sessions and selection competitions.

“It’s been an incredibly tough year, and definitely the hardest one I’ve had in bowls,” says Craig. “I’ve basically lived out of a suitcase in Glasgow for squad days, the 4 Nations, 8 nations and Home Internationals.”

“I’m very lucky that my husband, Scott, has been a big help taking all his holidays to look after the children so that I can bowl.”

Craig has been here before. She was part of the elite squad from which the Delhi 2010 Games team was selected. She missed out on a team place then and, competing for a small number of places with a large pool of top level Scottish women’s bowlers, she is realistic about her chances of being selected for the Glasgow Games. Nevertheless she is enjoying the intense challenge of the selection process this time around and can feel the progress she is making.

“Glasgow is the one that everyone wants to play in and it’s given me a real focus to work towards”, she continues.

£The standard amongst the other girls is really high, and if I don’t get in this time I wouldn’t be disappointed because I’m proud that I’m in there and I’m giving David something to think about.”

“When I first started the squad training in May and saw all the people I was up against it was quite daunting. But it’s been a phenomenal year. I’ve improved a lot this year as a result of all the practice and games and I’m much more confident, especially after winning gold.”

“The plan for America is to keep playing well and impressing. I’m aiming for the future as well. I’m only 26 so I’ve got many years in front of me so if I don’t make it this time then I know I will at some point.”

30 September: USA Test at the Groves, Newport Harbour and Laguna Beach, USA

Men

David Peacock

Alex Mashall

Neil Spies

Paul Foster

Stewart Anderson

Thomas Mann

Women

Margaret Letham

Becky Craig

Lauren Baillie

Claire Johnston

Michelle Cooper

Caroline Bown

Photo Credit: Rob Eyton-Jones

Leading Scottish triathlete David McNamee will line up toe-to-toe with the world’s best in London this weekend at the PruHealth World Triathlon Grand Final.

The 25-year-old is targeting a fourth top ten finish in the series when he tackles the 1500m swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run around the London 2012 Olympic course at Hyde Park.

In the 2012 showpiece world finale, McNamee finished tenth on the day and 16th overall in the series. This year, the former World U23 silver medallist is looking to better that finish and continue his rise up the ranks.

“Last year was my first full senior season and this season has been another step forward, so it’s good to be moving in the right direction”, said the Irvine native. “I go to London ranked 13th in the world so to come out the other end in the top ten is the goal. It will be awesome to race the exact course from the Olympics. It’s flat, but very fast, which should suit me well.”

Post London, McNamee plans to take a brief break then return to training in early November, competing in cross-country races over the winter and building up his race sharpness with the aim of hitting his peak at Strathclyde Park next July.

On Thursday 24 July, 2014, the men’s and women’s individual triathlon races take place then, two days later, the triathlon mixed relay will offer spectators a super-fast format of the popular sport.

He added: “My last four years have been focused on reaching the Commonwealth Games and for it now to be almost here is so exciting. I have never represented Scotland before which would be special and the fact it’s in Scotland makes it ten times more important.”

“I picked up my first ever senior triathlon medal at a European Cup event at Strathclyde Park so I’ve fond memories competing there. To have everyone cheering on your name gives you such a mental boost, even though in triathlon you’re not really fully aware of it until the run.”

“Also to have the relay format included is something different for everyone. I raced one last year and it’s an exciting concept – it’s quite strange for a triathlete to be in a team, but it’s amazing how much you can push yourself when it’s not just for you.”

“To be part of Team Scotland is something I want to experience and get to be in an athlete’s village. I’m looking forward to mingling with other athletes and experiencing different sports, seeing how they approach it and learning from them.”

Since graduating with an Accountancy degree from the University of Stirling, McNamee has been based in Leeds, where he lives and trains in the company of such luminaries as Alistair Brownlee and his brother Jonathan, the Olympic and World Triathlon Series Champions respectively.

“I train with the Brownlees a bit and it’s a good reminder to let you see what you need to do to reach the top,” said McNamee. “They’ve set the benchmark and that pushes us all on. Yorkshire is a great place to train, it has beautiful countryside and it’s a very active county.”

“I don’t miss the Scottish weather, but you miss the stupid things like every so often I have a hankering for a potato scone and some tablet. My mum sends me down a box of tablet now and again which puts my healthy eating plan out the window for a few days.”

And it’s not just some tasty Scottish treats which is motivating McNamee. “Right now I just want to go to Glasgow and deliver a performance I’m proud of.”

At Hyde Park, McNamee will be competing in the elite men’s race, which starts on Sunday 15 September at 1.30pm.

Also in action this weekend, Stirling postgraduate student Natalie Milne will be making her World Championship debut in the senior women’s race on Saturday 14 September and emerging talents Marc Austin and Grant Sheldon are scheduled to race in the elite Junior race on Thursday 12 September.

You can follow David on Twitter @DavidMcNameetri

Photo Credit: British Triathlon

Lynsey Gallagher, aged 21 had the honour of being captain of the Scotland U21 side at the World Youth Netball Championships, held in Glasgow recently. 20 competing countries gathered at the Emirates Arena for the much anticipated tournament and after a gruelling weeks play, the Scottish team finished in 12th place.

For Gallagher though, these World Youth Championships are hopefully not the pinnacle of her netballing career, as she turns her attention quickly to the national senior team selection with a place in the Glasgow 2014 squad being her ultimate goal.

Q: Has this event given you a sense of the atmosphere you can expect at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next year?

LG: It’s been great to experience these kinds of conditions at home with such fantastic supporters. Netball doesn’t get a lot of attention in Scotland so this has been a great opportunity for people to see what we can do and learn more about the sport.

Having the crowd behind you in those tight games really gives you that extra edge. It’s like having an eighth man in your team. Whether you’re down or up, it’s great to have them support you all the way. I hope that massive crowds will come along next year and get behind us.

Q: How are your own preparations going for 2014 and what do you need to do to make that final squad of 12 players?

LG: I want to make that final 12. Long term goals are the Commonwealth Games but my main focus right now has been to finish strongly in this competition and make my selection process for the senior national team as easy as possible.

Q: What do you do when you’re not on a netball court and how do you juggle all the demands placed on you?

LG: I am going into my fourth year at Napier University studying Sport and Exercise Science so that is going to be busy balancing that with training. I take the down-time when you can as you have to let your body recover but it’s mostly just a lot of time spent in the gym and on the court.

University are really helpful and do allow me to do assessments online when I need to and I couldn’t have asked for anything more from them. Hopefully it will continue that way next year.

There is a lot of travelling back and forth between Edinburgh and Glasgow for training but I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t enjoy it and that’s what pushes you to make those sacrifices. You make so many good friends and it is just amazing to be able to pull on a Scotland dress and playing alongside these girls.

Q: What is your next big challenge?

LG: We have Netball Europe around April or May time next year and our World Championship qualifiers and then it’s the Commonwealth Games so there is a lot to work for and look ahead to.
I am pushing to make that final squad for the Games. There will be a few very disappointed people that don’t make it in and I would be gutted not to be part of it, so I am doing all I can to be there.

Lynsey was recently named in the Scottish Netball long squad for Glasgow 2014

Last weekend, the Glasgow 2014 netball draw was announced with Scotland drawn in Pool A alongside New Zealand, Jamaica, Malawi, Northern Ireland and St Lucia.

You can follow Lynsey on Twitter @Lynsey_G

Photo Credit: Netball Scotland

With less than a year to go until Glasgow 2014, judoka Connie Ramsay is ready to take her chance on the world stage. As a reserve for London 2012 she saw firsthand what a major Games is like and is now more determined than ever to be on the mat next year.

“Although I didn’t compete, the experience of preparing and seeing the guys go through it was really exciting” she says. “With Glasgow so close it makes me think that it could be my turn next.”
Judo hasn’t been included in the Commonwealth Games since 2002, when Team Scotland’s Graeme Randall won gold.

“I was only 14 when Manchester was on so although I knew what judo was, at this sort of level I had no idea”, says Connie who trains at the elite performance centre at Ratho in Edinburgh. “I was watching Euan (Burton), David (Sommerville), Sarah (Clark) and the likes of Graeme compete – those guys were my heroes.”

Those heroes are now closer than ever, with Burton and Sommerville part of the coaching set up, and Clark a training partner on the mat, whilst Graeme Randall is the sport’s Team Manager for the Games. Having that experience around her all the time is something that motivates and drives Ramsay to succeed.

“They’ve had a huge influence on me; especially Sarah. When I first started coming down from Tain to Edinburgh for training camps, she was so inspiring. I was so young and thinking that would hopefully be me one day. Now every time I’m on the mat I’m trying to throw her.”

“Having Euan as a coach is so important”, she says. “He’s only just off the scene in London and the kind of feedback we get from him is so accurate, you just need to take in everything you can.”

Connie is now focused on securing a place on Team Scotland, with the ultimate goal of taking Commonwealth gold.

“Every time you see that photo of Graeme on his knees it sends shivers down your spine and I always wonder what my celebration would be in that situation. If you ask anyone in sport, even those not too familiar with judo they all know him and that medal.”

She is also focused on the opportunity in front of her. With Glasgow marking judo’s first Commonwealth appearance in over a decade, Connie hopes the team’s performance will bring the sport to the attention of a new generation of fans.

Connie says: “Quite a lot of people who maybe don’t know judo so much might have forgotten about us as we’ve not had such a high profile recently, but hopefully we can smash it in Glasgow and get us back where we belong!”

You can follow Connie on Twitter @xxconnerzxx

Photo Credit: Judo Scotland