Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Silver success at Games for Lewis Gartlea teenager on the podium in the Bahamas
Gartlea boxer Lewis Johnstone claimed a silver medal at the Commonwealth Youth Games — and insisted he will never forget his experience in the Bahamas.
Johnstone, who was the flag bearer for Team Scotland, ended his Commonwealth Youth Games run with silver in the 81kg category.
The Greenfaulds High pupil took his quarter-final bout by unanimous decision over his opponent from Grenada and emerged as the winner in a tough semi-final against Damian Vaughan of Samoa.
The gold medal bout was a tricky affair and Lewis found it difficult to stamp his authority on his Welsh rival, Sammy Lee, who was eventually crowned the winner.
Lewis stepped up to receive his silver medal to deafening support from his team-mates and the Scottish fans in the stands.
He admits he was aiming for a gold but enjoyed his experience in the Caribbean.
The 17-year-old was voted as flag bearer by his Scotland team-mates and was the first boxer to carry the flag for Team Scotland at a Commonwealth Youth Games — and says that was his highlight.
“I was disappointed not to get the gold, he said, “but the whole experience out here has been amazing and I’m proud that I won a medal for Team Scotland.
“Leading the team out at the Opening Ceremony was a fantastic moment, it was everything I thought it would be and more.
“That moment when you first walk out with the flag and see the crowd, it was amazing. It’s definitely the proudest moment of my career. I’m so honoured that my team-mates chose me to carry the flag.”
He continued: “I had some tough fights but the atmosphere in the boxing arena was incredible, it’s the best I have ever fought in front of.
“I could hear the whole team chanting my name and singing the national anthem, it spurred me on.
“The team spirit has been brilliant, everyone supports each other as part of Team Scotland. I’ve enjoyed getting to know people from other countries. I’ll never forget this experience.”
I was disappointed not to win the gold but the whole experience has been amazing