Two get GB call-up
Internationals Two Whitemoss Amateur Athletic Club members will land Great Britain and Northern Ireland vests later this month.
Holly McArthur and Howard Bell have been named by British Athletics for the combined events international indoor match in Prague on January 28-29.
Medal-winning performances in Sheffield last weekend at the England Athletics championships clinched the places for the pair, who are both coached by Iain McEwan.
McArthur, who won a GB and NI vest at the Manchester International last August, won gold in the U20 event this month while Howard, who will represent GB for the first time, took silver.
Iain said: “I’m very pleased for both athletes and for what it means to our training group.
“We work hard to be ready at such an early point in the winter season and to get the rewards is brilliant.
“At this age it’s all about adding the next level of experience and getting to Prague to rub shoulders with some of the best talent in Europe will stand then in good stead for the future.”
With fellow Whitemoss athletes Emma Canning and Tom Chandler having represented GB and NI at this event last year, that is four Scottish combined events athletes earning international honours in a 12-month period.
Iain added: “Holly didn’t put a foot wrong at Sheffield and is showing a growing maturity in pressurised environments.
“As the day went on it became clear that the gold medal would come down to the long jump and I was so pleased to see her take off on the board in her first attempt and finish the jump in style. That gave her an unassailable lead.
“Howard had a bug for a while going into the competition so I was a bit nervous when he stepped up for his last event, the 1000m.
‘But he didn’t disappoint and even gave a PB performance in that event to secure the silver medal. It is great for him to get this selection.”