Schools must do better

Worrying signs from the schools that former European 4x400 metre relay gold medallist Brian Whittle may be correct in his criticism of the current coaching structure in the sport.

Scotland finished last behind England, Ireland and Wales in both Under-17 and Under-15 matches in the British Schools International in Ashford, Kent last weekend. If that were not bad enough, there was not a single individual Scottish winner in the match, the best position being a second in the 100m hurdles in a personal best of 13.5 seconds from Beath High pupil Jack Lowrie, a Pitreavie clubmate of Olympian Eilidh Child, who is guided by Child’s former coach Norman Gardiner.

Capital sprinter Ben Robins (EAC) did manage third in the 400m in 49.90sec despite concentrating on rugby training recently.