Scots teen Myra Perkins ready to hammer opposition at Commonwealth Youth Games

Aug 31 2008 By Gavin Berry

MULTI-TALENTED Myra Perkins tried everything from Scottish country dancing to acting before finally choosing a career in hammer throwing.

Now the Grangemouth teenager hopes that decision is about to pay off as she looks to take centre stage at the Commonwealth Youth Games.

Myra, 16, was one of 44 athletes named last week in the Scotland team for the Games which will be held in the Indian city of Pune in October.

In a further boost she also scooped the Clydesdale Bank Athlete of the Month award for July.

The bank are strong supporters of Scotland's team for the Commonwealth Youth Games and the inaugural awards scheme is designed to showcase the brightest young talents.

Each month Commonwealth Games Scotland are asking coaches to nominate an athlete who has excelled in competition.

Expert judges debate the most deserving cases and each monthly winner earns £300 from Clydesdale Bank plus £100 for their club.

Myra's recognition is the perfect reward for her consistent performances this year and underlines the good decision she made opting for hammer throwing.

She started her athletics career as a sprinter then ventured into combined events, competing in a number of pentathlon competitions.

And away from sport Myra was part of a Scottish country dancing team, a pianist and spent five years with Falkirk children's theatre.

She giggled: "It took me a while to get into the hammer but as soon as I did I loved it and learned fast.

"I did all sorts before that like Scottish country dancing where our team won lots of trophies.

"I also played the piano, rode horses and when I was younger I attended Falkirk's children theatre.

"One year we did Scrooge the musical and I played the ghost of Christmas past. It's funny to compare to what I'm doing now."

Lack of time meant Myra couldn't juggle all her hobbies and she credits coach Alan Bertram with helping her choose a single career path.

She said: "I liked the shot putt and discus most but when I moved coach to get more training for these events he would only work with me if I started the hammer as well.

"That was around Christmas 2005 and in 2006 I went to the hammer Grand Prix events but it was only in Elgin that July when Alan first noticed me.

"He got me an invite to the Under-15 hammer event at the AAAs in Birmingham the following weekend and I won bronze.

"That was special because it was the first time I had qualified for the AAAs let alone won a medal. I realised I had found my event."

Now Myra is focusing on Pune - and her only worry is that mentor and coach Alan won't be there.

She said: "Alan hopes to make it but he's 72 and it's a lot of travelling. He's brilliant and has done so much for hammer throwing in Scotland.

"He's based in the Borders so to see each other as much as possible involves travelling on both parts."

Myra will use Team GB's success at the Beijing Olympics to spur her on with London 2012 and Glasgow 2014 in her long-term sights.

She said: "It was inspiring and exciting to see so many Brits doing well. You start to think 'What's it like to be in that situation?'

"Looking forward to 2012 and 2014 in front of a home crowd, how much better that would be!"