Samantha still has Games gold dream; Joanna 10k debut

Tuesday 25th October 2022

Samantha celebrates bronze success at Birmingham 2022 (photo by Bobby Gavin)

Samantha Kinghorn won’t give up on her Commonwealth Games gold medal dream.

The Paralympic sprint medallist has had to compete over 1500m at the last three games – finishing with bronze at Birmingham 2022 after fourth in Gold Coast and fifth at Glasgow 2014.

And while Kinghorn is very much looking forward to a return to the shorter distances next summer at the World Para Champs, she will always be keen to represent Scotland.

Samantha, who is coached by Rodger Harkins, came up with a strong performance over the Glasgow 10k course at the Great Scottish Run and plans to race again in Jedburgh at the end of October following a short break.

‘I said in Birmingham when I won the bronze at the Commonwealth Games that I would still love to one day make the middle of the podium for the 1500m,’ she said.

‘I was serious about that and if that’s the event on offer in four years time then I will be there trying to improve again.

‘Competing for Team Scotland is such a big thrill and being part of the athletics squad is so much fun.

‘I don’t know what events will be there for Australia next time, or even four years after, but I’d like to think I could win medals for Team Scotland.

‘The only one I would probably rule out is the marathon!

‘I did that at Gold Coast 2018 (as well as the 1500m) and I did say ‘never again’ at the time and I still feel that way!’

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Joanna Robertson at the Great Scottish Run (photo by Bobby Gavin)

As Samantha Kinghorn took the overall victory over 10k at the Great Scottish Run, Joanna Robertson made her debut at the distance.

The Aberdeen AAC athlete, who is coached by Phil Owens, finished third in just over 41 minutes. This followed on from a first appearance over half marathon from Joanna at the Scottish Half Marathon event in Musselburgh when she clocked 78:32.

‘It was a fantastic debut for the half distance and Joanna had been suffering from Covid only a couple of weeks earlier,’ said Phil.

‘She rose to the challenge there and in Glasgow and don’t be surprised now if she starts asking about doing a marathon.’

It’s great to see Aberdeen AAC being represented by strong Para performances and the club have been short-listed for our Janice Eaglesham MBE Para Development Club of the Year accolade in our own 4J Annual Awards.