Subo o and Rod to open the 2014 games
AS the clock ticked down to the Commonwealth Games, the odds on Jamie Stewart making a return to Hampden were looking bleak.
The 93- year- old, who won gold at the national stadium in 1948, was desperate to attend the athletics events at the ground, but hadn’t been able to lay his hands on a gold dust ticket.
We revealed in April the sprightly great- grandfather had been chosen as a baton- bearer for the Games build-up.
But he was desperate to see today’s generation of athletes follow in his footsteps – and now The Sunday Post has made it happen.
When Nigel Holl, chief executive of scottishathletics, heard about Jamie’s past exploits at Hampden and his eagerness to attend the Games, he got in touch to say he’d be delighted to sort Jamie out with the sought- after briefs.
Nigel said: “We became aware through The Sunday Post that Mr Stuar t had not been able to secure tickets.
“As the governing body for track and field, we had secured a small allocation of tickets and, along with ensuring tickets were available as a reward and recognition for key club volunteers, we have been delighted to assist in Mr S t u a r t ’s return to Hampden to enjoy the 2014 experience.
“He certainly won’t be alone – we have endeavoured to reward key people who have contributed over the years to athletics.
“I’m sure he’ll have a great time.”
Jamie, who won the twomile steeplechase at the Scottish Amateur Athletics Championship 66 years ago, was ecstatic when we told him.
“I’m overwhelmed and delighted,” he said.“That’s just great news and has really made my day.”
Jamie will attend Hampden on August 1.
Appropriately, among the events taking place that evening is the 3,000m steeplechase, as well as the 100m relay, high jump and javelin.
The author will carry the baton next Sunday, just three days before the Games begin.
“They encourage you to walk with the baton, rather than jog or run, but we’ll see,” he laughed.