Rutherglen Reformer

Silver service for cycle queen Ashley

Rutherglen lass turns in a blistering performanc­e

- Marc McLean

A sports star from Rutherglen earned silver in cycling at the Special Olympics GB Anniversar­y Games — just months after first taking up the sport.

Ashley McCloy stunned spectators and even her own coaches with a blistering performanc­e at St i r l i n g University on Sunday.

The 25-year-old raced round the athletics track for 10 laps in the 5K race, and just missed out on the gold medal by one second with a time of four minutes.

I t was an incre d i b l e achievemen­t for Ashley, who also previously won three medals in basketball at Special Olympics GB National Games last year.

Proud mum Michelle McCloy said: “We’re chuffed Ashley did so well. Her coaches thought she may have finished around sixth because it was a really hard race with good competitor­s.

“But she’s such a determined lassie. If Ashley sets her mind on something, she can do it.

“To win silver was amazing – and she was only one second behind the winner.”

Ashley arrived at Stirling University on Friday to represent Scotand in the GB games.

She first competed in a 4K race on Saturday, earning ribbon for fourth place, but then went up a gear the following day to earn her silver medal.

The multi- talented sports star was cheered on by parents Michelle and John, grandparen­ts Sarah and James Marchent, coaches Tom O’Hara and Janice Malone, and her friends from Toryglen Line Dancing Club.

Ashley, who has special needs, was part of the Glasgow Eagles team that secured three medals including a gold, at the Special Olympics GB National Games in Sheffield last year.

She then turned her attention to cycling thanks to the encouragem­ent of her coaches, and was one of 1200 athletes to descend on the University of Stirling.

The event also celebrated the 40th birthday of Special Olympics GB and the 50 years since the founding of the worldwide movement.

Ashley suffers from epilepsy, arthritis and spinal problems which restricted her movements from a young age.

The Mill Court resident has used sport as a way of meeting and communicat­ing with new people, and attends cycling training at Bellahoust­on Park every Wednesday.

Mum Michelle said: “She loves the club and all the people there give her great support.”

...she’s such a determined lassie. If Ashley sets her mind on something, she can do it...

 ??  ?? Medallists Ashley McCloy, far left, with fellow Special Olympics competitor­s Derek McKenzie and Martin McKenzie, and her coach Janice Malone
Medallists Ashley McCloy, far left, with fellow Special Olympics competitor­s Derek McKenzie and Martin McKenzie, and her coach Janice Malone

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