Kieran puts injury hell behind him

KIERAN MERRILEES admits there were times when it seemed his Commonwealth Games dream was over.

The 24-year-old badminton star represented Scotland in Delhi four years ago, but always believed that Glasgow 2014 would provide his best chance of winning a medal.

An 18-month injury nightmare seemed to have smashed his hopes.

A career-threatening knee injury had only just been beaten when an ankle knock had doctors puzzled.

He says: “Over the last three years, I’ve had a lot of injury problems and that has really stalled my progress.

“I’ve always looked to be improving, and then I’d get a setback and have to start again.

“I went over my ankle playing for Scotland in February and that kept me out for nearly four months.

“I had two or three injections and two scans but nothing was showing up.

“I was in a lot of pain and at that point I was really worried that I wouldn’t be in condition for the Games.

“Fortunately, they eventually found that I had a trapped nerve in my back.

“Once we knew what the injury was, it took about a month to get back on court.

“It was a stressful time because I’d no idea if I would be in the right condition to play at the Games.

“Four years ago. I was really just there for the experience. This time I want to be a lot more competitive.”

Meanwhile, not many athletes will have support as knowledgeable as Natalie Milne.

Triathlon is a real family affair in her household.

The 24-year-old’s younger brother, Cameron, came agonisingly close to making the Scotland team and is one of her biggest supporters.

Her mum and dad — Raymond andTrish — have also competed in the gruelling sport that involves swimming, cycling and running.

She says:“I got involved in triathlon first, then my little brother, Cameron, who’s 21, thought:‘This looks interesting’, and gave it a go.

“My mum then decided to give it a go when she saw us training.

“Dad has done two, but I don’t think he’ll do many more.

“He did it for the experience, but his bike broke both times! He’s now more a supporter than a competitor.

“I think it definitely makes them realise how hard it can be.

“Cameron was quite close to getting to the Games and I thought it would be great to have a brother and sister there.

“He wasn’t far away and missed out by a fraction. He’s a great supporter and it’s brilliant to go out and train with him.”