Stirling athletes set for first ever Euro Champs

Athletes from the University of Stirling are set to represent Great Britain this coming week as they compete at the inaugural European Championships.

Hosted across Glasgow and Berlin, the exciting new multi-sport event will bring together the existing European Championships of Athletics, Aquatics, Cycling, Gymnastics, Rowing and Triathlon as well as introduce a new Golf Team Championships.

Stirling swimmers Kathleen Dawson, Craig McLean, Ross Murdoch, Duncan Scott, Cassie Wild and Aimee Willmott will hope to replicate their Commonwealth Games success as they kick-off their campaign at Tollcross International Swimming Centre today (3 August).

Following his six-medal haul on the Gold Coast, Duncan Scott will be keen for more success in Glasgow.

British Swimming held its four-day pre-competition camp at the University and Stirling’s Head Performance Swimming Coach, Steve Tigg, is confident the familiar surroundings will have aided the athletes’ preparations.

Tigg, who is part of the British coaching team, said: “It has been a really positive experience for all the athletes and the set-up has worked very well over the past few days. There is always a buzz about the GB squad coming together, but having that home comfort has certainly been a plus for the Stirling athletes.

“Our team works extremely hard all year long so to have them train alongside some of the world’s best swimmers, in their home pool, is an ideal way to finish off their preparations.”

Olympic champion, Adam Peaty, was one of the British Swimming stars based at Stirling ahead of the European Championships.

Elsewhere in the event, graduate triathlete scholars, Marc Austin and Grant Sheldon, compete in the Triathlon event next Friday (10 August) whilst current golf scholar, Hazel MacGarvie, will continue in her role as one of Glasgow 2018’s 6for2018.

University of Stirling Head of Performance Sport, David Bond, added: “After such a successful spring, we’re shaping up for an equally impressive summer from our athletes and I know those competing at the European Championships will be aiming to add to the recent medal haul.

“It’s always exciting to see Stirling represented at the top table and I’m pretty confident the athletes will give us plenty to cheer about during the event.”

The inaugural European Championships will run until 12 August 2018. Visit glasgow2018.com for full schedule information.