Frame runner Finlay Menzies, 19, has struck bronze at the world paralympic championships in New Delhi, India, and now coach Celia Peerless is hoping another of the athletes she trains at Livingston AC can make it a double on the global stage this month.
Matthew Power, 26, is currently heading for Brisbane, Australia, to compete in the 100 and 200 metre sprints at the Virtus Games. A multi sports competition for people with intellectual impairment.
First things first, though, and a bronze medal for Finlay, from Balerno, in the T72 100 metres final came on the initial occasion frame running was included in the world paralympic games.
It was also a debut on the international stage for Finlay who in addition to his connection with the Livingston club trains with a frame running group at Corstorphine AC.
“I’ve been coaching Finlay for ten years including to British Championship wins so he has been on top for a long time” says Celia, adding:
“The bronze medal in an event won by an Italian competitor sets him up for a crack at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 assuming he comes through the qualification process.”
Finlay, who achieved a personal best in each of his last two runs, said: “It feels amazing that it’s the first games I’ve been to and I have managed a medal. It makes it so special. I was pretty confident I could make it happen – I just had to give it my best shot.My parents are here and I can celebrate with them.”
But while Finlay has been financed on his trip to India by UK Athletics, Matthew has had to raise his own fare to Australia.
“Matthew really has the potential to do well based on the three bronze medals he brought back from the European Championships in France last year” says Celia.
Among those rooting for Matthew will be staff at the Edinburgh Eye Pavilion where he volunteers one day each week.
Matthew has a personal best time of 11.71 secs over 100 metres and 22.91 over 200 metres.
