School sports: Six Strathallan pupils represent GB

AS yet another session nears an end, six Strathallan School pupils have achieved the dream of representing GB on the sporting stage.

Eilidh Gibson (canoe slalom), Duncan Scott (swimming), Callum Fletcher (pentathlon), Scott Gorrie (ski cross) and Katie Guest and Hope Whitelaw (both Alpine skiing) have all made it to elite level.

In addition, another 26 have attained Scottish international level and the list includes Megan Inch, the latest pupil to roll off Stathallan’s cnveyor belt of hockey goalkeepers. Both of the current Scottish goalkeepers – Nicki Cochrane in the women’s squad and Jamie Cachia in the men’s – are Strathallan former pupils.

“Megan is only 16 but she is in the Scottish Under-17 squad for the forthcoming European events,” said Audrey Sime, the School’s director of sport. “Nicki just left last year and 
her aim will be to make it to next year’s Commonwealth Games.”

Having been already selected to paddle for GB at the JuniorWorld and European Championships this summer, Eilidh got received even better news last week with a call-up to the GB senior women’s team for an event in Bratislava in August.

The big date on the calendar for swimming all-rounder Duncan Scott is the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The statistics reflect the success of Strathallan’s Talented Athlete Programme, which 
offers the necessary support for all the athletes. A wide range of programmes are on offer and the school’s own coaching staff work closely with the Scottish and GB National coaches.