2022 Athlete Travel Award Scheme Profile – Angus Robertson

Orkney’s Angus Robertson is one of 11 local athletes benefiting from the sportscotland Athlete Travel Award Scheme (ATAS) this year.

Name: Angus Robertson

Age: 15

Sport: Olympic Weightlifting

What inspired you to take up your sport?

When I was younger I played football and karate along with generally having a love for most sports. However, the main thing that inspired me to take up the sport of Olympic Weightlifting was attending the Picky Centre youth strength and conditioning sessions. I really enjoyed these coached sessions and the lifting exercises we did really interested me. Following this, Orkney Amateur Weightlifting Club advertised youth coaching sessions and I jumped at the chance to attend these and have been training ever since.  I was always interested in developing my strength and when I began learning Olympic Weightlifting I felt the sport naturally suited me. I also feel the discipline and flexibility I gained from karate gave me a good base to build from. As I became more involved in Olympic Weightlifting I had to choose between sports and although I really liked football and karate  I felt I had found a sport I loved and have focused on weightlifting solely for the last few two years.

Best achievements this ATAS year?

Setting the British U15 clean & jerk record of 110kg in the 89kg category at the Scottish under 23s championships held in Arbroath. I hope to try and better this along with setting the Snatch and Total records later this year at the British Age Group Championships in Leeds!

Setting Scottish records in the U15 and U16 89kg category in Snatch 80kg, Clean & Jerk 110kg and Total 190kg.

Being selected to attend British Weightlifting Development Pathway Squad sessions regularly throughout the year in Edinburgh.

What does ATAS support mean to you?

Competing in the sport I love would not be possible without the funding I receive from the Athlete Travel Award Scheme. It is the main factor that allows me to travel to national competitions on the mainland and represent my county. I would like to thank the OIC for their support and hope to do Orkney proud in return for the generosity shown to me.

This year 11 local athletes are benefiting from the sportscotland Athlete Travel Award Scheme (ATAS). The Scheme is an ongoing partnership between sportscotland and the participating local authorities in Highlands & Islands - Orkney Islands, Western Isles, Shetland Islands and Highlands Councils.

Orkney Islands Council is extremely grateful to also have a partnership with Stagecoach which allows us to enhance and extend our programme in Orkney.