Six Scots on Paralympics Futures Academy programme

Wednesday 16th December 2020

Kirsty Soutar in action at our 4J National Open Series at Meadowmill last August (photo by Bobby Gavin)

Six Scottish Para athletes have been included on the 24-strong British Athletics Paralympics Futures Academy, which is supported by Nike.

It is an excellent representations and merely underlines a lot of hard work at development level in this strand of the sport.

The athletes and their coaches receive support via the programme and we offer our firm congratulations to the following:

Continuing on the Futures Academy this year are:

Owen Miller (Steve Doig; Fife AC) T20, 1500m – also on WCP Podium Potential

Ross Paterson (John Kinder/Alasdair Barker; Red Star/Kilbarchan) T38, 100m/200m

Steven Stone (Laurence Bissett; Falkirk) T20, Long jump

Alexander Thomson (Chris Baillie; Vic Park) T38, 100m/200m

New to the Futures Academy this year are:

Melanie Woods (Self/John Owens; Red Star) T54, multi distance (100m-1500m), wheelchair athlete

Kirsty Soutar (Gary Beggan; Red Star/Springburn) F32, Club Throw.

Pamela Robson

‘Well done to these athletes and coaches – this is great recognition that a lot of hard work has paid off over a number of years,’ said Pamela Robson, our National Disability Pathway Officer.

‘It shows that they have demonstrated potential and hopefully there are exciting times ahead for each of them in terms of competing at International level.’

Pamela also gave us a little more background on the two new additions.

‘Melanie competed at the Müller British Athletics Championships in the women’s 400m wheelchair race in September, placing third overall.

‘Kirsty started working with Gary after lockdown and she now has a new focus and drive. Significant improvements are already being made.’

WANT TO READ MORE ON SCOTTISH PARA ATHLETES?

‘My debt to coach Steve’ – Owen Miller

Ross Paterson in the spotlight

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*Middle distance runner Erin Wallace is one of 62 athletes on the British Athletics Futures Academy Programme, which is backed by Nike.

The Giffnock North AC athlete is coached by Andy Young.

Due to the challenging circumstances brought by the Covid-19 pandemic this year, and the impact this has had on athletes, British Athletics has retained all athletes from the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Futures Academy Programme for the year ahead.