Elements conspire to go against Malcolm Winning’s gold bid

MALCOLM Winning saw extreme heat and a rainstorm temporarily halt his bid for 
gold at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival, but he insists it won’t affect him when he gets going again.

The 16-year-old basketball player and his British teammates were looking to build on three wins from three in the 3x3 competition on Thursday 24 hours later, only for a combination of heat and the rain to intervene.

Their scheduled fixtures against Australia, New Zealand and a Combined Oceania team were put back to today after play was suspended due to extreme heat and then a rainstorm.

Sydney experienced its hottest day on record on Friday as temperatures reached nearly 50 degrees but Edinburgh teenager Winning is confident Britain can qualify for the knockout stage regardless.

“We’re feeling confident. We’re going to go out and look for three more wins again and go in strong for the semi-finals,” said Winning.

“Hopefully we come out first seeds and play in a medal game at the end.”

• The British Olympic Association prepares and leads British athletes at the summer, winter and youth Olympic Games. It works in partnership with sport National Governing Bodies to enhance Olympic success and is responsible for championing the Olympic values. www.olympics.org.uk