GIRL POWER
A PROMISING young wrestler claimed a big win as she started her busy 2024 season in style.
Quin Mackie, 13, faced off against some of Europe’s top female wrestlers at the recent Breton Backhold International Championships in France and brought home a top prize for her weight category.
The medal adds to the Port Glasgow schoolgirl’s already impressive array of awards, which include two Scottish junior titles that she picked up last year, as well as a triumph in the 45kg category at the Breton championships.
The 2023 season saw Quin go undefeated in the junior seven-and-a-half stone and junior female middle-weight categories.
She was also club champion at Red Road Wrestling Club, where she trains, and was awarded the title of top female wrestler at their presentation night.
Quin told the Tele she was keen to make 2024 another successful year.
She said: “Things have been going so well, the highland games season was really successful for me.
“I picked up two Scottish championships and was undefeated in the seven and a half stone and female lightweight categories all season, as well as fourth in the under-18s at worlds.
“I think I’ve improved since last year, I’ve got a wider range of coaches and they’re all brilliant.
“I’ve been working on my new techniques to help give me a chance to win this year, it’s going to be a lot harder as I’ve moved up a weight category.
“It would feel amazing to bring back more silverware and have a big trophy in my room.
“Last year was the first time I had represented Scotland, which was really scary but once I got there, I knew I could do it.
“It’s not getting any less scary, but I know I can get over the nerves once I get on the mat.
“Not many people in Port Glasgow or Scotland do this, so it’s brilliant to be part of this.”
Outside of wrestling, Quin has also got into the competition side for her circus team and hopes to help her peers bring home more silverware.
Her proud father and head coach Gordon Mackie said: “I’m delighted with Quin’s success throughout the 2023 season.
“This year we’ve taken our largest number of wrestlers to represent our club and country in France. On behalf of the wrestlers, coaches and officials we want to thank all sponsors.
“Without their support we wouldn’t be able to take so many wrestlers to compete at the championships.”
Among those who have sponsored Quin and her fellow club members is businessman David Carroll, owner of Carroll’s Furniture in Greenock and the Caledonian Bar in Port Glasgow.
David said: “I think women’s sports are often overlooked. Everyone’s happy to sponsor men’s sport but it’s 2024 and women’s sports need to be supported more.
“These girls are just as talented as the guys and I’m happy to support Quin. She should be proud of what she’s done, representing the area and her family.”