Stirling cheers on sporting icon Rosa
Olympic gold medallist Rosa Mota paid tribute to Stirling’s cheering crowds after completing Sunday’s 5K race.
The 58-year-old, who was the first Portugese sportswoman to be crowned an Olympic champion after success in the marathon at the 1988 Seoul Games, lapped up the adulation as she completed a tight city centre circuit.
Many of those who recall the distance runner’s epic achievements in the 1980s and early 1990s – which also included a World Championships gold, three European Championship gold medals and an Olympic bronze – came out in force to catch a glimpse of the sporting icon.
And after completing the race in a time of 19 minutes and 51 seconds she spoke to the Observer about her positive first impressions of Stirling.
She said:“It’s a pleasure to be here. The support and atmosphere has been amazing and I’d love to come back here again next year.
“I think the day has been a big success.
“I’ve not been here before. This is my first time here but the people are so friendly and the city is absolutely beautiful. I really enjoyed it.
“I’d like to congratulate the organisers and of course Stirling and all of the people here for helping make it such a great event.”