Lynn scoops bronze
A CUMBERNAULD schoolgirl swam her way to a place amongst the world's top young athletes after scooping two bronze medals in the event known as the Mini Olympics.
Fast mover Lynn McArthur (15) triumphed in both the 100 metres and 50 metres backstroke competition at the International Childrens' Games in Athens.
The Cumbernauld High School pupil from Westerwood found that victory was all the sweeter as she was the only medallist from the northern hemisphere – after the gold and silver awards were handed to Chinese and Korean competitors.
But it didn't stop there - after it transpired that the 100 metre victory marked a personal best for the swimming starlet.
Lynn, a member of Cumbernauld Swimming Club, is currently in the United States visiting her aunt but her mum Brenda confirmed that the experience has been one of the highlights of her daughter's life.
"It was heartstopping stuff!" said Brenda, who travelled to Athens with her daughter to cheer her on, with the rest of the McArthur clan in tow.
"She went over there to do her best but I think I can say she didn't expect to get a medal so she was absolutely over the moon," said Brenda.
"The truth is she had a smile on her face the whole time she was there. It was a brilliant experience for her – and all the other young athletes did so well too. They ALL had worked so hard."
Two of Lynn's team-mates who are also from Cumbernauld narrowly missed out on medals in the competition.
Leanna Marshall (14) from Greenfaulds High School and Euan Alston (15) who attends Hamilton College came fourth in the 200m individual medley and 50m backstroke respectively, both setting personal best times in the process.
The 19-strong Team Lanarkshire won a total of seven medals in the competition which will be held in this very area in 2011.
It promises will be one of the biggest sporting spectacles ever staged in this part of Scotland. And the News and Chronicle will be closely following the event as one of its key Media Partners.
Councillor Jim Smith who is co-chairman of the Lanarkshire 2011 games said: "Every member of Team Lanarkshire gave excellent performances in Athens and were excellent ambassadors for their sport and Lanarkshire.
"They all enjoyed competing at the highest level and will be able to use that experience to develop further in their sport. I would like to congratulate our medal winners on their outstanding success in proving themselves to be among the best in the world in their sport."
Team Lanarkshire, who flew out to Athens last Wednesday, were Scotland's only representatives at this year's games and were competing against some of the world's finest young atheletes.
More than 1500 competitors from 36 countries took part in the Athens event which finished on Sunday.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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