University of Edinburgh swimmer Stephen Clegg has captured the first gold medal of the Paris Paralympic Games by a Scot and in a world record time.
Stephen romped home to win the 100 metres backstroke S12 final in 59.02 secs, emulating his sister, Libby, who is a multi Paralympic medallist – two golds and three silvers from three Games as an athlete – while brother James, also visually impaired, stood on the podium to collect swimming bronze at the London Games.
Stephen said: “I’m speechless to be honest. Not long ago this was one of my weaker events and now I’m a world record holder.
“My coaches, my team, I’m particularly fortunate to be part of an incredible programme in Edinburgh.”
While it was triumph for Stephen Clegg another Edinburgh athlete’s Paralympic adventure came to an end today.
Boccia star Patrick Wilson lost out in the quarter finals to Poland’s Damien Iskrzycki but had already made his mark by progressing to the knock-out stages.
Meanwhile, a third Lothians competitor, Nathan McQueen, will contest the final 16 of the men’s open compound archery event later on Sunday.
UPDATE: Archer Nathan McQueen lost in the quarter final today to USA’s Matt Stutzman.
Evergreen sports journalist. Previously published in many publications around the world. Send me your local sports stories. billlothian1008@gmail.com
