Greg is at the races
Stewartfield athlete Greg Kelly got 2017 off to the best possible start by winning the famous NewYear Sprint at Musselburgh Racecourse.
The 17-year-old pocketed £4000 and a crystal trophy for his superb run, as he claimed first prize by two metres from runner-up Jordan Charters and Emily Dagg in third place.
Despite being the back marker, meaning he had to give starts to every runner in the field, and going off a start of 8.25m, Greg cruised to victory in the 148th edition of the 110m race in a time of 11.54 seconds.
His winning run in Edinburgh was also televised live on ITV as part of their racing coverage on NewYear’s Day.
A few days on, the EK Athletic Club runner still can’t quite believe it. He told the News:“It has still not sunk in.
“The history of this event and all the athletes who have competed in it, it’s a bit surreal for me to be winning it.
“I know my coach Gordon Bury and other athletes he has coached have tried to win it and been unsuccessful, so I’m still kind of asking: Why me? But it feels great.
“I surprised myself with how well I ran in the final. Once I got to halfway, I was confident I would go on and win it. “All the hard work I’ve put in has paid off. “I want to thank my coach Gordon and my training group, particularly Calum McWilliam — who finished fifth in the final — for all their support.”
Greg, who attends Duncanrig Secondary School, says he will put some of his winnings towards a new car, but most of the £4k prize will go back into his athletics, paying for entry fees to more events and new kit.
He added:“I think my confidence will go through the roof after this. My plan now is to go for the Scottish Schools’ titles in the 60m and 200m.”
The teenager’s success was also a proud moment for coach Gordon, who said:“It was a fantastic performance by Greg, not just to win this historic race but to do it so emphatically.
“He is so experienced now, I never doubted he would run his race — but to produce possibly a career-best performance was really impressive.
“Greg and stablemate Calum were only too happy to
jump the fence with me at the John Wright Sports Centre on Christmas Day and train in cold, wet, windswept conditions.
“It is just a pleasure working with such committed young men and the rewards are there to see.”
Gordon himself competed in the event, reaching the final in 1985 when it was held at Meadowbank.
He added:“I tried to win the race as a runner and my dad was also a finalist in the New Year Sprint.
“So we are absolutely steeped in the New Year Sprint tradition and to have won it at last with Greg is fantastic.”