Scottish Olympians inspiring next generation of sporting stars

Sir Chris Hoy: Cyclist has won five Olympic gold medals.© SNS Group

Scotland's Olympic achievements are inspiring the next generation of sportsmen and women, according to the Government's sports minister.

Shona Robison MSP said the achievements of Scotland's medal winners are "firing even more young minds" to achieve all they can in their sport.

Cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, rowers Heather Stanning and Katherine Grainger and canoeist Tim Baillie have all won gold at the London 2012 Olympics in the past week, while swimmer Michael Jamieson set a new British record and won a silver medal in the men's 200m breaststroke.

Ms Robison said: "I have been lucky enough this week to see some outstanding Team GB performances and see Scottish athletes bring in medals day after day.

"These Olympics have been a success story for Scottish sport with a medal haul so far of four golds, two silvers and a bronze by Scottish athletes. Already the number of Scottish medals achieved over the whole of the Beijing Olympics in 2008 has been bettered.

"And from what I have seen in the reaction of the crowds and the images making the news, these golden moments are firing even more young minds to be the best they can be in their sports."

Scotland is being showcased to the world at Scotland House in London during the Olympics, a partnership between the Scottish Government, tourism body VisitScotland, EventScotland, enterprise agency Scottish Enterprise, arts body Creative Scotland and the sports body sportscotland.

Five hundred businessmen and women, representing 331 businesses and investment bodies, have taken part in networking events there since the facility opened on July 27.

Ms Robison said: "At an Olympics where Scotland's athletes are contributing so successfully, this Government too is working its hardest to promote Scottish interests.

"Scotland House is Scotland's showcase to the world during London 2012. It is a first class venue which provides a platform to promote the best of Scotland to key influencers from around the world who are in London for the Olympics."

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