Scottish teen talent join Olympic parade
Monday 18 October 2004
Four of Scotland’s aspiring Olympic hopefuls, Gemma Nicol (athletics), Shane Charlton (cycling), Lewis Smith (swimming) and Janine Dickie (canoeing) will be representing sportscotland in London today as they join over 100 medallists for the Parade of Heroes to recognise the achievements of Team GB during the Athens Olympic and Paralympic Games.
As part of the celebrations, the British Olympic Association is using the opportunity to promote London’s bid to host the 2012 Games. The four Scottish athletes have welcomed the opportunity to join other future medal hopefuls from the home countries to lend their support to the bid. They will be carrying a large flag representing the five coloured ribbons in the London 2012 logo.
Alastair Dempster, Chairman, sportscotland said: “sportscotland welcomes the opportunity to demonstrate our support for London’s 2012 bid. It is a fantastic opportunity for these aspiring young athletes to join their sporting heroes as part of this wonderful celebration of Team GB’s achievements in Athens.
“The Olympic Games is a wonderful showcase for sport at the highest level and a successful British Olympic bid would be a tremendous boost for British sport and the athletes from all home countries. I hope today’s parade will inspire everyone to get behind what could be a marvellous festival of sport for the whole of the UK.”
A biography on the four athletes is detailed below.
Gemma Nicol - Athletics 400m
Age: 18
Town: Dunfermline
Gemma was inducted into the Scottish Institute of Sport in 2003. A former U17 and U20 AAA Gold and Silver medallist and has recorded 11 Scottish records in the last year. In September 2004 Gemma won three Gold medals in the 400m hurdles, 400m and 4x400m relay at the European Junior Clubs Championship in Finland. Gemma has been selected for Scotland’s team in the Commonwealth Youth Games in Bendigo, Australia. Gemma also became the youngest ever member of a Scottish athletics team for the 2002 Commonwealth Games. She hopes to represent Scotland in the 2006 Commonwealth Games and Great Britain at the 2008 Olympics in the 400m and relay events.
Shane Charlton - Cycling Track
Age: 15
Town: Cupar
Shane is a member of the Tayside and Fife Institute of Sport. He competes for Scotland in major races at home and abroad. Won a gold medal in the Pursuit event at the British Cycling 2003 National Track Championships in Manchester. Shane has been selected for Scotland’s team in the Commonwealth Youth Games in Bendigo, Australia in December.
Lewis Smith - Swimming long and short course
Age: 16
Town: Edinburgh
Lewis joined the Scottish Institute of Sport in 2003. In 2004 he came 7th at the Olympic trials in the 400m Individual Medley in 4.30.14 a Scottish Junior record. He has been selected for Scotland’s team in the Commonwealth Youth Games in Bendigo, Australia in December.
Janine Dickie - Canoeing Slalom
Age 14
Town: Selkirk
Janine is a member of the East of Scotland Institute of Sport. In August 2004, Janine won a gold medal in the U14 class Junior European Championships in Slovakia and the Scottish Junior U16 Championships. She is a member of the GB U16 squad and leading U14 paddler in Scotland.