Sporting success is superb for region
2016 was a year for sports men and women throughout the region to truly shine.
The success of each and every one of the individuals is something which must be applauded when you look at the achievements.
Who could forget Springhill ABC’s Willie Hutchison becoming a historymaker last month in Russia?
The 17-year-old is the only Scot ever to travel to the World Youth Championships and return with gold.
His achievement is historic and mild-mannered Willie is not content with stopping there.
The Springhill fighter is targeting a world title when he turns professional too and he is definitely one to look out for.
To think we have a young world champion is amazing.
Knowing we have two makes it even more incredible.
James ‘The Warrior’ Graham lifted the World Kickboxing Association -23kg champion in Italy back in November.
The entertaining seven-year-old is a Scottish champion as well but his win on the world stage sums up his potential.
His mentor, Scott Allan, was no stranger to kickboxing success but since making the move over to boxing has won the Scottish Bantamweight title.
Boxers like Charlie Flynn and Iain Butcher have suffered frustrating years but next year you can expect to see the talented duo get title shots.
Aqeel Ahmed and Reece McFadden are Motherwell boys who made all the noise in Finland when they lifted gold at the prestigious Tammer Tournament.
Next year will be a vital one for the duo and any other Commonwealth Games hopefuls.
We’ve also got national record heroes in Hayley Berry and Vivian Duruh – two Law and District athletes.
Hayley has just about won it all in the shotput and discus while Vivian is a record holder in the Scottish Indoor Athletic League.
Law and District’s athletes continue to succeed all over the country and a special mention must go to Margaret Newell who will represent Scotland at the Great Britain Special Olympics next year.
Margaret will be hoping for success down in Sheffield as will Motherwell and Wishaw Swimming Club star Logan Smith.
The 12-year-old will also be heading down to the GB Special Olympics in search for a podium place.
One youngster who is no stranger to a place in the top three is Cambusnethan minimoto star Ross Maguire.
The 11-year-old became a double UK champion in 2016 and signed for BMW for the upcoming season so here’s hoping next year is even bigger.
Another man who rose to the top of his sport is Newmains snooker sensation Chris Totten. An action- packed 2016 saw the 18-year-old become the number one ranked amateur player as he helped guide Scotland to victory in the Home Internationals.
Our area is lucky to have many future Scotland stars and Wishaw goalkeeper Jon McCracken certainly falls into that category.
The youngster signed for Norwich this summer and looks destined for big things. All of these tremendous athletes couldn’t take part in the sport they loved if it wasn’t for committed parents, coaches and friends helping them out.
We also like to praise the unsung heroes too such as Wishaw Golf Club’s greenkeeper Campbell Wallace and Law and District coach Barney Quigley – who both retired this year.
Our area is lucky to have many future Scotland sporting stars