Blackwood bowler Iain McLean says he was backed by a “sea of blue” from Scottish fans as he won bronze at the Commonwealth Games.
The 38-year-old reached the semi-final in men’s singles, but lost to eventual winner Aaron Wilson, of Australia [who then beat Northern Ireland’s Gary Kelly] and bounced back to claim a comfortable win over Malaysia’s Fairul Izwan Abd Muin to take bronze in his debut Games.
Blackwood Victoria player Iain would have preferred a medal of a brighter colour, but says a podium finish was his aim.
He said: “It feels great to have won bronze.
“The semi-final and bronze final were on the same day, so it was a tough game to get up for after losing the semi-final, but it felt great to get on the podium, and it was a great experience.
“I would love it to have been a silver or a gold, but to medal was my aim, and to do it in the singles as well felt quite good.”
McLean says the travelling Scots fans helped enormously on the day, and throughout the tournament.
He said: “It wasn’t quite a home games, but it’s just a few hours down the road, and the travelling Scotland support was excellent.
“That was one of the things; when I went into the bronze medal match, I looked up and the back of the rink was just a sea of blue.
“That was a huge help to have that support there, cheering me on.
“I started quite well in the game, I got a decent eight-or nine-shot lead, and to be fair he certainly made it difficult for me in the end.
“But I just managed to keep the buffer, and got it over the line.
“There’s always pressure when you play for Scotland, given the guys’ previous results
over the years, so we are expected to do well.
“But I didn’t really put that sort of pressure on myself, as such. I knew if I played well I had a chance.
“I had great results throughout, and I’m delighted just to get that medal.”
McLean enjoyed the experience and would love to be involved in the 2026 Games in Victoria, Australia.
He said: “That was my first Games, and it was a slightly different set-up for Birmingham, in that it wasn’t just one village, so it was quite small, compared to what the guys said it would normally be like.
“But it was good to interact with all the different countries and athletes in different sports.
“I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was excellent to be a part of Team Scotland, who were fantastic with their support, throughout.
“We finished it off on Monday night with a closing social after the closing ceremony.”
It’s back to domestic competition now for Iain, who is eager to get to the World Championships next year.
He said: “It’s back to club stuff now, and indoor stuff will start next month.
“I’ve got the British Isles Championships in October in Belfast, and then everything is looking at being in the Elite squad, and the World Championships next year.
“Selection will take place for that probably early next year, so hopefully I’ll be involved there.”
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