Margaret set for Special Olympics Law athlete looking to continue gold rush
A Wishaw athlete is all set for her Special Olympics trip next month.
Margaret Newell, who trains with Law and District Athletics Club, will head down to Sheffield for the nationwide event which starts on August 7.
Athletes who have been fortunate enough to be selected for the Scotland West team have still have to secure sponsorship enabling them to take part.
Margaret has been supported by her dad’s employer, Babcock International, and is looking to better her achievements from four years ago.
Last time out at the GB Special Olympics in Bath, Margaret won two bronze medals and a gold.
And the Law youngster is in fine form having competed at the Mencap National Championships last month.
Margaret won gold in the 1500 metre, setting a personal best and new championship record – the first person to do so since 1998.
The gold rush continued as the Wishaw athlete also finished first in the 800 metre sending another personal best and grabbing a silver in the long jump.
Law and District coach Pat Kelly praised the 20- year- old for her continued efforts and hopes she can bring back a medal.
He said: “Margaret has been brilliant and she deserves this success for all her hard work.
“Being a Scottish champion is great and now she has the chance to hopefully go out and win on a bigger stage down in Sheffield.
“I would be surprised if she doesn’t come back with a medal because she has been performing extremely well in recent tournaments.
“Not only that, Margaret competes in mainstream athletics and continues to get better.
“She’s very excited about it and everyone at the club is delighted for her.”
Margaret may have bigger aims after the GB Special Olympics with the hopes of making the British team in the future.
However, Pat insists it is one step at a time for the Law and District athlete – who will be competing in the 800m, 1500m and long jump events.
Pat added: “At some point, you would like to thank Margaret would be able to represent Great Britain but right now she’s just enjoying her athletics and focusing on every tournament as it comes.
“I coach Margaret at middle distance but she will also be looking to win medals in the long jump.”
For more on the GB Special Olympics go to www. specialolympicsgb.org.uk.