Highland games boost hope after Rio success

It is hoped the success of British athletes at the Olympic Games will increase the public’s interest in Highland games and encourage people to take part.

Highland games of all sizes take place the length and breadth of Scotland throughout the summer.

Each year, more than 500 athletes compete in the 60 Highland games in running, cycling and heavy lifting competitions organised by Scottish Highland Games Association (SHGA) members.

With Rio 2016 being Team GB’s most successful Olympics in more than 100 years and evoking another wave of sporting enthusiasm among Brits, games chiefs hope it will encourage people to attend upcoming Highland games.

Some of Scotland’s current crop of Olympians, including Laura Muir, Chris O’Hare and Katie Archibald, have competed at Highland games.

Charlie Murray, president of the Scottish Highland Games Association, said: “Team GB has once again put in a fantastic performance at the Olympic Games. Their exploits in Rio will be inspiring people right across Scotland, as we saw following the London Olympics in 2012 and the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

“The achievements of the athletes will spark interest from people of all ages, to participate in sport or experience it up close.”

Lynsey Sharp: inspiring