Clegg dreams of 2014 as she picks up award

LIBBY Clegg has picked up silver medals at the last two Paralympics in Beijing and London – and now has Hampden glory on her mind at Glasgow 2014.

The visually impaired sprinter was named Haven Para Athlete of the Year at the scottishathletics awards dinner, with the presence of wheelchair racing legend David Weir to make the presentation adding to her excitement.

Clegg is bubbling over, too, with the prospect of appearing at the Commonwealth Games with her T12 category included in the 2014 programme.

“I have World Championships in mind for next summer but Glasgow 2014 is a really big part of my plans at this moment, too,” said Clegg, who attended the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh and whose family are based in the Borders.

“The big thing for me is the events are included in the Commonwealth Games programme, which means I am entitled to run. London for the Paralympics was fantastic and I’m sure there will be full stadiums in Glasgow as well.”

Clegg won a silver medal in the T12 100m in London in September, competing with guide runner Mikhail Huggins.

But, with the hard work for next season and 2014 already started, she was thrilled to accept the Haven award from Paralympic icon Weir.

“I am delighted to win this award,” added Clegg. “It has been an amazing few months but I don’t think something like this is just about that – I see it as a reward for years of hard work and dedication.

“To receive it from David Weir definitely made it that but more special for me. He is such a big hero of mine.”

Owen Miller of Dunfermline and West Fife AC and Robert Ferrol of Shettleston Harriers were the other two athletes to make the short-list.