Stephanie Twell has announced that she will represent Scotland at next year’s Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.
The 19-year-old is world junior 1500 metres champion and was born in Colchester, however, she is eligible to run for Scotland in the Commonwealth Games as her mother was born in Paisley.
She was voted the Rising Star of 2008 by the European Athletics Association and she is also a three-time European junior Cross-Country champion.
The decision to compete by Twell is a massive boost to Scotland’s hopes for success in the Indian capital in 2010.
Twell said: “I am half-Scottish, and my mum is very pleased that I’ve chosen to represent her side of the family.
“Whenever I’ve raced in Scotland, I’ve always been made to feel very welcome, and that’s another reason for my decision.”
Twell ran for Britain in the Olympics last year and narrowly missed making the final in what was said to be an invaluable opportunity to gain experience for the Olympics in London 2012, where she could be a challenger for a medal.
Geoff Wightman, the chief executive of Scottish Athletics, said: “I’m proud of Steph’s decision to commit to Scotland.
“Obviously there are no guarantees she will be picked for the Commonwealth Games or for any other event, but I think she can be a really inspirational athlete.
“There are already signs that the standard of middle-distance running in Scotland is steadily getting better.
“I think with Steph there to encourage and inspire young athletes, that improvement can only continue.”
Annie Locker, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
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