Picked for GB and NI: Four young Scots named for Loughborough

Thursday 16th May 2024

Javelin thrower Scott Hopper – now picked for GB and NI U20 for Loughborough (photo by Bobby Gavin)

British Athletics website team announcement

The Great Britain and Northern Ireland U20 team has been announced today for the Loughborough International which is taking place this Sunday 19 May.

And we’re delighted to see four young Scottish athletes named within that team to compete this weekend.

There are selections for Dean Patterson, Corey Campbell, Scott Hopper and Rebecca Grieve in an exciting moment for these athletes.

We offer our warm congratulations to the quartet and to their coaches, families and the clubs involved in their development over a number of years.

Rebecca is now based in the United States and Corey is preparing for a move there later this year, but both very much came through the development pathway in Scotland.

Dean has had a number of international appearances in his teenage years for both Scotland and GB and NI – while Scott’s selection in javelin is a rare one in that discipline and another big boost for the Scottish throws community.

Scots with GB and NI . . .

Women’s 4x400m Relay: Rebecca Grieve (Francis Smith, Pitreavie AAC)

Men’s 200m (and 4x100m Relay): Dean Patterson (David Watson, VP-Glasgow)

Men’s 3000m: Corey Campbell (Alister Russell, Team East Lothian)

Men’s Javelin: Scott Hopper (Robert Wilkie, Kilbarchan AAC)

Corey Campbell and Rebecca Grieve in action in the United States

The World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru, in August will be this season’s prime target for many of those selected with this Sunday’s event an ideal opportunity to gain international experience in a competitive environment.

For some, the European U18 Championships in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia in July may also be the summer target.

Competition in Loughborough will be at a high level with teams from England, Scotland and Wales plus Loughborough University all competing as well as a number of guest spots available for those not selected but looking to secure selection at the World U20s.

Darren Ritchie, Team Leader, said: ‘Once again the Loughborough International provides a huge opportunity for our young athletes in their championship journey be that to the World U20s, the European U18s or future international events.

‘The experience on Sunday will be invaluable in terms of preparation, participation and everything that entails set in a competitive environment.

‘I would like to congratulate all those selected especially those earning their first British vest and look forward to meeting all of them for an exciting and very full day of competition.’

Good to see our own Allan Hamilton involved in the GB and NI staff team on the jumps event group.