Ambassador roleforLaura

Milnathort’s Laura Muir (pictured) has been confirmed as the first official ambassador for the 2019 European Athletics Indoor Championships.

The championships will take place at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow in March next year with more than 650 athletes from over 45 countries competing.

Laura, who recently completed her veterinary medicine finals at the University of Glasgow, is already setting her sights on retaining titles.

Last year, at the European Indoor Athletics Championships in Belgrade, Laura lit up the arena to win both the 1500m and 3000m.

“I had the most amazing time at the event in Belgrade in 2017,”Laura said.

“So for the European Indoor Championships to come to Glasgow in 2019 is a dream come true.

“Racing in front of a home-crowd just provides an extra level of excitement, I have never felt support like I do when I am competing in Scotland.

“If I can win gold in front of a Scottish crowd on my home track that will be a highlight of my career and a moment to remember for the rest of my life.”

Returning to Glasgow after 29 years, the European Athletics Indoor Championships will put Scotland on the map again as a world-class destination for international sporting events.

Sport minister Aileen Campbell believes Laura is the perfect ambassador for the event.

She said:“Laura has established herself as a real star on the track, and her recent performances at the World Indoor Championships proved she is a force to be reckoned with, and a true inspiration and role model to encourage other girls to take up sport.”

Cherry Alexander MBE, major events director at British Athletics and sport director for Glasgow 2019, was also full of praise for Laura.

She said:“There is a real connection between Laura and the British crowd which has been enhanced by her outstanding achievements over the last year or so.

“To have her on board as an ambassador for Glasgow 2019 is another huge boost ahead of what promises to be a world-class championships in Glasgow.”