Orkney Athletes National Medal Winning Tally

A number of young Orkney athletes have been showcasing their respective talents, with some national competition successes.

Finlay Scott, Gemma Foulis, Shannon Leslie and Ross Sinclair – who are a mix of Athlete Travel Award Scheme (ATAS) and Performance Development Program (PDP) Athletes – have been making a name for themselves in their chosen sports.

Finlay Scott became the first person from Orkney and the first under 19 to win the Highland & Island Squash Association Senior Championships following a skilled performance recently.

He says the ATAS funding allows him to attend Scotland training sessions in Edinburgh each month, which, in turn, helps with his progression to hopefully be able to achieve a medal placing at the Scottish junior nationals which would allow him to go to the European championships with the Scotland team.

Gemma Foulis (PDP) and Shannon Leslie (ATAS & PDP) are both already accomplished badminton players. They recently competed at the under 15 national championships. Gemma reached the quarter-finals of the singles, and the semi-final of the doubles alongside Shannon who also made it to the semi-finals of the singles. Shannon also received her first Scotland call up in 2021.

Ross Sinclair (ATAS) goes from strength to strength in weightlifting, winning all competitions he entered during 2021.

His most recent success was at the British Junior Championships – lifting his way to a 1st place 81kg category Snatch 110kg, 133kg Clean & Jerk Total 243kg. This was despite an eventful trip to Harrogate for the event with major travel disruptions due to Storm Arwen. He made it as far as Glasgow and with all trains and buses cancelled, it was a case of return to Orkney or find another way.

Ross made the decision to get an Uber to his destination – basically hailing the nearest Uber driver to take him to his destination. Ross’ commitment and determination to his sport saw him pick up the gold medal despite the challenges of simply getting there!

The Athlete Travel Award Scheme, now in its fourth year with Orkney Islands Council and sportscotlands funding and Stagecoach’s donation, it continues to help athletes like those mentioned to access a high level of competition and development training opportunities to represent and do Orkney proud.

The Performance Development Program in partnership with sportscotland provides support to athletes through Physical Preparation Coaches to encompass all aspects of strength and performance conditioning and it is evident that this program has great benefits for athlete development and success in their chosen sport.

Councillor Gwenda Shearer is Chair of Orkney Islands Council's Education, Leisure and Housing Committee. She said: "These successes out-with Orkney and some on a national level are commendable. Congratulations go to them all. The grants undoubtedly play a part in helping athletes develop and realise their full potential.”