Pitlochry weightlifter Rowan inspired by Rio performances

Like most of the country, Rowan Morrogh-Bernard has been gripped by Olympic fever and the Pitlochry weightlifter believes she has picked up plenty of tips just by watching the Games.

Despite narrowly missing out on qualification for the World Youth Championships this year, MorroghBernard undoubtedly has a bright future in the sport.

While most people watch the Olympic Games as a fan, she has also watched as a potential future competitor – focused on the techniques used by the best weightlifters in the world with the aim of enhancing her own skillset.

The 15-year-old believes that if she can start to transfer what she has learned to her own lifting, her lifelong dream of competing at an Olympics and other major events could well come true in the not too distant future.

“There’s the Commonwealth Games in 2018 and I just want to see where I can be in comparison to qualification totals at that time – it’s not impossible,” said Morrogh-Bernard, who is part of the SSE Next Generation scheme.

“I definitely want to make an Olympic Games, that’s a big goal for me. Seeing the athletes in Rio gives me motivation.

“I really enjoyed watching my weight category because you see all the best lifters in the world and they have the best technique, so you can learn so much. It’s great to watch as a lifter.”

Team GB had just one female weightlifter in Rio, Rebekah Tiler, who, at 17, is two years younger than Morrogh-Bernard will be when Tokyo 2020 rolls around – proving that reaching the top of the sport in the next Olympic cycle is not impossible.

The Perthshire teenager has had a year of ups and downs so far but is now fully fit after battling injury and excited to be back in full training.