On the last day of competition Team Scotland added to the medal tally in all three sports: athletics, boccia and swimming.
Swimming
In the pool the first event was the S9 400m freestyle, which included Kyle Hughes, Rhys Gill and Isaac Dunning. In what was a very closing contest Kyle led the Scots charge finishing bronze position, whilst Rhys and Isaac battled hard for 4th and 5th respectively.
Erin Swann was up next in the 50m freestyle and continued her battle with Paula Van Zyl as the pair went head to head for the fourth time. Paula led from the start and in the closing meter Erin came back strongly but narrowly missed out on the gold medal. No other medals are awarded due to only being two competitors.
As in the previous event, Kyle, Rhys, and Isaac went head to head once again in the S9 100m freestyle. Kyle was the first Scot home in silver medal position but was quickly followed by Rhys and Isaac, who were just outside the medals, in 4th and 5th place.
Boccia
In the individual events Team Scotland had Reegan Stevenson (BC1), Callum Glasgow (BC2) and Sean McCann (BC3) all in action in what was must win matches in the morning. Callum took on Joaquim Soares (POR) and although put up a great fight, he succumbed to 1 – 6 to end his competition. Sean took on the skilful Ladamanee Kla-han (THA) in what was a very entertaining encounter. In the end the player from Phuket was too strong for the young Scott, winning 8-0. Reegan had Lois Martin (CAN) between him and the final. In what was a nervy affair, Reegan pulled through with a 4-1 win to set up a match against the talented Thai BC1, Natthawut Deemak. Reegan performed admirably but it eventually ended with a 0-10 defeat but the match was much closer than the score suggested. Although very disappointed, Reegan reflected on the performance and learnt a lot from his counterpart, which he can use to develop his own game.
The medal ceremony from mixed nation BC1/2 team and the B3 pair’s events (that took place on Friday) also took place and all three players were awarded an unexpected bronze medal for their part in the team. Thus adding another two medals to Team Scotland’s tally
Athletics
The track today began with the T34 1500m final where Nathan Blackie raced to an excellent bronze medal to start the day on a high for Team Scotland.
Field events this morning saw Kirsty Soutar in the F32 club throw, Connaire McAlindon the T37 javelin and Graham Condie in the F32 club throw. All 3 athletes performed exceptionally well with Graham taking his place on the podium in bronze medal position, Connaire surpassing his previous PB by over 3m and Kirsty coming in third in a strong competition but not reaching the podium due to the minus one rule.
The T38 1500m final included Scotlands Ewan Waite who coming back from injury was looking to put in a good performance. Ewan finished in 4th place with a determined effort.
Golden girl Shelby Watson was in her final event of the games, the T33 400m final. She lead from the gun and crossed the line to claim her fifth gold in what has been a superb championships for her.
Abbie McInally jumped her way to a silver medal in the F38 long jump. Her polish rival had the edge but Abbie gave her best effort.
In the T34 400m final Nathan Blackie continued his impressive medal count with a silver medal in a thrilled race where he took second place with 20m to go. The last medal of the championships on the track, gave Team Scotland one final medal with Ross Paterson running a tactical and powerful race crossing the line in bronze medal position.
With the sun about to set on Team Scotland’s time at the CPISRA World Games in Sant Cugat, Scotland delivered an impressive 30 medals, including 8 gold. Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is extremely proud of the athletes performances, commitment, camaraderie and conduct during the Games. We were extremely fortunate to be supported by such a dedicated, experienced and passionate coaches and support staff. These individuals add so much to the athlete experience and their work ethic was exemplary. SDS can thank them enough.
The Scottish athletes were supported in numbers by family members and friends who turned out in force during competition and medal ceremonies. They added to Team Scotlands identity throughout the games.
The Games will conclude with Games Celebreation on Saturday evening and the team fly home on Sunday Morning.