Scotland could send own team to 2016 Olympics
Sports minister Shona Robison said that Scotland will meet the strict conditions laid down for countries to send Olympic and Paralympic teams to Brazil.
A leading Scottish official with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) indicated the ambition was feasible.
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Hide AdAmong the Scots who could be taking part are Olympic tennis and Wimbledon champion Andy Murray and London swimming silver medallist Michael Jamieson.
Another London Olympian, Hannah Miley, could also be participating in the pool in the 400 metres individual medley, while canoeist David Florence would be another Scottish contender.
Athletes Eilish McColgan, Lynsey Sharp and Eilidh Child are also among the Scots who would feature in an Scottish team in 2016. “We’re comfortable and assured Scotland will have its own Olympic and Paralympic team. It will bring many benefits,” Ms Robison said yesterday.
Scotland sent a record number of athletes – more than 50 – to London for the 2012 Games, but Ms Robison insisted that even more would get the chance to participate in future Games. She also insisted Scottish athletes would not be held back if the country loses out on major UK resources and funding such as Lottery cash. “We have made substantial investments,” said Ms Robison.
She also insisted that Scotland will “meet that criteria”, to become an Olympic country.
This includes being recognised by the international community and having at least five national federations affiliated to international federations with sports included in the Olympics. A country also needs a national Olympic committee.
Scot Sir Craig Reedie, an IOC vice-president, said establishing an Olympic committee “won’t take Scotland very long – I don’t think that would be an issue”.
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