Fans pack into city bars to cheer Andy Murray’s Olympic win

Andy Murray avenged his Wimbledon defeat yesterday when he triumphed to become Olympic champion, as thousands of fans in Edinburgh packed into bars and pubs to celebrate his victory.

The 25-year-old defeated Roger Federer in straight sets to take gold for Team GB after dominating the centre court.

Together with partner Laura Robson he also took silver at the mixed doubles, having narrowly lost to Max Mirnyi and Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in a thrilling champions tie-break.

Bars and pubs across the city were packed with Murray fans cheering on his afternoon performances. A handful of hardcore fans even braved the heavy rain to view the match on the big screen.

Among those cheering him on was Lauren Quinn, 26, from West Calder, West Lothian. She said: “After the first few games you knew Andy was on form to take the match. Although Federer always has a few tricks up his sleeve I had a feeling he had it this time. I’m very proud.”

Speaking after his victory, Murray described the feeling as “amazing” and went on: “I didn’t expect that at the beginning of the week. I had a chance of going deep into the tournament, but I was a little bit tired after Wimbledon, and I was playing in the mixed as well, but I felt so fresh today.”

He said: “It was worth it. I have had a lot of tough losses in my career but this is the best way to come back from the Wimbledon final. I will never forget it.”

Tennis Scotland, based at the Craiglockhart Tennis Centre, said Andy Murray’s win will be a huge boost for the sport and will hopefully lead to greater investment in the sport.

Board member Dave Macdermid told the Evening News: “Whilst there were murmurings that Andy couldn’t cut it on the big stage, anyone in the sport knew he had it in him.

“This could well be the catalyst for him to go on to win the US Open. He’s reached the final before and there’s no reason why he can’t win his first slam.

He added: “The performances from Scots in general have been out of this world at these games and it shows that a wee country can do.”

The success of Dunblane-born star Murray, came after another Murray – Edinburgh marathon runner Freya Murray – became the first Briton to come home in the Olympic marathon in 44th place.

She had only been called up for Team GB a week ago following Paula Radcliffe’s withdrawal and clocked a time of two hours 32.14 minutes, as Ethiopian Tiki Gelana took a surprise gold.

Murray, who works as a structural engineer and grew up training with Lasswade AC in Midlothian and Edinburgh AC, said: “Paula is an inspiration to everybody and I’ve always looked up to her so it was sad to be trying to fill her shoes if you like, I was never going to do that today, but just to be here was fantastic.”