The wait is finally over for West Lothian’s athletes set to go for gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The sporting festival in Birmingham kicks off today and West Lothian will be proudly represented by 10 athletes across a number of sports as Team Scotland look to top the 44 medals they won four years ago in Australia.
And there’s every chance medals will be making their way back to West Lothian, with many of our athletes being podium hopefuls.
In the pool, Craig Benson is set to take part in his third Games for Team Scotland, while Livingston-born duo Keanna MacInnes and Emma Russell are part of an exceptionally strong female swimming squad.
Fauldhouse’s Reese Lynch made history by becoming the first Scottish boxer to win a medal at a senior World Championship event last year and is aiming to add Commonwealth Games gold to his collection, while Uphall gymnast Shannon Archer returns after an impressive showing at Gold Coast
2018.
She claimed a pair of fifth place finishes in Australia but will be looking for a medal in Birmingham. As will West Lothian Artistic Gymnastics Club ace Cameron Lynn.
There will be a distinct West Lothian feel to the gymnastics squad, too, as father-daughter
duo John and Becki Campbell are part of the coaching squad.
Lothian Running Club’s Sarah Inglis has enjoyed huge success since moving across the pond and the long-distance runner will be competing in her first Commonwealth Games.
It’s a first bite of the Games cherry also for Broxburn weightlifter Alice Aitchison and Livingston-born netball star Rachel Conway, who will be hoping to play her part in Team Scotland winning their first-ever medal in the sport.
Last, but by no means least, Ecclesmachan table tennis ace Colin Dalgleish is back representing his country after a fine performance four years ago.
Whatever the results, we’re sure all our athletes will do West Lothian, and Scotland, proud in Birmingham. West Lothian Provost Cathy Muldoon wished everyone good luck as they prepare to battle it out with the best in the world.
She said: “Good luck to all the athletes and coaches with West Lothian connections taking part in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
“It’s fantastic to see so many members of Team Scotland who were born, lived or worked in West Lothian, across sports including boxing, swimming and gymnastics.
“On behalf of everyone in West Lothian, I would like to say we are all immensely proud of you all and sincerely hope you all have a successful games.”
Keep up to date with how our athletes are performing in Birmingham via our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WestLothianCourier and Twitter @WestLothianCour as we bring you all the results and news.
Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here
