COMMONWEALTH GAMES
Cambuslang Harriers’ Grant Sheldon was delighted to be called up for his second Commonwealth Games but admits he is not sure what to expect down under.
The 23-year-old university student has been named as one of the four triathletes to represent Scotland in the Gold Coast next year.
World University Championships gold medallist Grant broke his wrist and elbow competing in Montreal, Canada, in August, but kept his fitness up by focusing on running for the Harriers.
And after being selected to represent Scotland in the national athletics two months ago, he has topped a rollercoaster year with another call-up.
“I’m pretty chuffed,” he told the Reformer. “This will be my second Commonwealth Games and I’m pretty excited. I’m hoping we can do something special over there.
“In Glasgow four years ago, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete in front of your own crowd.
“I don’t think I really knew how to prepare for such a big race, and I don’t think I was in peak condition for it either.
“I’ve learned a lot since then, there have been quite a few lows and quite a few highs, and I know myself a lot better.
“Hopefully that can help me to be at my best come April. I’ll be more prepared.
“With it came a lot of excitement and thrills, but it will be different away from home. I race abroad most of the time so I’m used to it, but this will be a new experience, I don’t know what to expect.”
Grant was selected among Scots including Paralympic Games gold medallist Karen Darke and Beth Potter, who ran the 10,000m at both the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and 2017 World Athletics
Rutherglen Lawn Tennis Club president Gareth Ellor has received the West Of Scotland Volunteer Of The Year Award.
The prize rounds off a phenomenal few years at the club, which has seen membership almost treble, an extensive schools programme rolled out and the launch of wheelchair tennis coaching.
Gareth has been at the forefront of the Return to Splendour campaign which has revived the old Burnside courts into a wonderful playing facility.
Judy Murray officially opened the new courts on November 4.
And Gareth was also handed his award by Great Britain Davis Cup captain Leon Smith at a ceremony last month.
“It feels great to be recognised for all the work which has been done and to get the Burnside courts up and running,”he said.
“I think I got it because of the Burnside project. We raised a quarter of a million pounds and arranged for Judy Murray to perform the opening ceremony.
“We’ve had an excellent reaction to the new facilities, not just within the club but outwith it as well.
“And the membership is continuing to grow.”
Gareth revealed the next step for the club would be to plan improvements for the original club house on Viewpark Drive.