Future looks bright for Commonwealth Games hopefuls after Youth medals haul

Oct 19 2008 By Euan Mclean

SCOTLAND'S baby Bravehearts laid the foundations for Glasgow 2014 with a superb medals haul at the Commonwealth Youth Games this week.

The 44-strong team delivered an impressive tally of 18 medals at the Games, which ended on Friday night in Pune, India.

The team's haul of three golds, three silvers and 12 bronzes was praised as a vital building block towards these young athletes' bid to do Scotland proud when Glasgow hosts the Commonwealths.

Star of the Games was Strathaven swimmer Douglas Scott who clinched gold in the 100m and 50m breast-stroke. The 17-year-old said: "It was brilliant to win two golds in two days and I'm particularly happy under the circumstances because it's really hot here and I felt a bit under the weather."

Banff shooting star Kay Copland claimed Scotland's first gold of the Games in the 50m Rifle Prone.

Kay, 18, said: "It's beyond my wildest dreams to compete in an event like this and it is absolutely amazing to win gold.

"I didn't think I'd get a medal never mind gold because it's a completely different environment. I'm used to shooting in the cold and the wind whereas this is hot with no breeze."

Delighted Scotland team manager Lisa McIver hailed the Clydesdale Bank-sponsored side's performance and believes they are all on course to star when the main action comes to Glasgow in 2014.

She said: "What these athletes have learned here will stand them in good stead for when they are senior athletes competing in future Commonwealth Games."