TV presenter reveals her highlights A winner this year? It’s been Scotland
Sports presenter Rhona McLeod says it’s been such a prime year for Scottish sport that she struggles to pick one favourite moment.
The BBC Scotland reporter is co-hosting the 10th Sunday Mail and sportscotland Scottish Sports Awards this Saturday.
She’s been thinking about her favourite sporting achievements of the last 12 months, including distance runner Andrew Butchart’s Olympic performance in Rio last summer.
In his first major championships, the athlete took nearly five seconds off the Scottish 5000m record to finish sixth behind Mo Farah.
Former athlete Rhona said: “It’s been an incredible year for Scottish sport and has been so varied where the success has come from.
“But one of my highlights was when Andrew – who is from Dunblane – three laps before the end drew up alongside Mo and gave him a look to say, ‘Let’s bring this thing home.’
“It was such a look of confidence and self-belief. He had a phenomenal race and he’s worked so hard and this year it all paid off and he was selected for the Olympics.”
Another highlight for Rhona was the success of Andy and Jamie Murray.
She said: “Andy reaching world No1 and the successes he had at the Olympics and Wimbledon were a joy to see.
“His journey has had so many ups and downs so to finish the year at the top of the world was fantastic.
“Also, his brother Jamie reaching the No1 spot was a phenomenal achievement.
“It would be wonderful if kids around the country would look at them and think, ‘ They’re just ordinary boys from Dunblane. If they can do it, I can do it.’
“Hibs winning the Scottish Cup after 114 years was another highlight, as was Ricky Burns retaining his world title.”
As well as recognising the achievements of those at the top of their sports, the Scottish Sports Awards, held at Glasgow’s City Hotel, also honour local clubs, community hubs and schools.
Mum-of-two Rhona, who was a member of the Scotland athletics team for seven years, said: “This is the 10th year and the event has grown in reputation. It is a focal point for Scottish sport.
“It sees people from all levels – grassroots to elite – rewarded and recognised for all the hard work they put in.
“There are hundreds of thousands of volunteers who dedicate so much of their time and energy for youngsters coming through in sport, which I think is fantastic.
“It’s a great gala event for Scottish sport and I’m really excited to co-present it for the first time with fellow sports broadcaster Andrew Cotter.”