Chef de mission of Team Scotland Elinor Middlemiss says a return to full crowds and a huge travelling support to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham could be the secret to success.
Many athletes will be competing in front of spectators for the first time at a major event since the pandemic.
With just under 50 days to go until the start of the Games down south, Middlemiss was speaking as the next 50 athletes were announced.
Middlemiss said it is important for them that as many fans as possible make the trip.
“We are very hopeful ahead of these games and we are expecting a huge travelling support from fans, friends and family and I think that will really inspire our athletes to success,” she said.
“If the competition venues down in Birmingham are really noisy and full of saltires that would be absolutely fantastic.
“The athletes have had to compete in front of empty stands or their friends and family haven’t been able to travel even if they’ve been at the competition due to Covid.
“I just think having a UK-based games is a great positive for Team Scotland.”
It’s been eight years since Glasgow 2014, Scotland’s most successful Games when the team delivered 53 medals.
After the Games in the Gold Coast 2018 delivered 44 medals for the Scots, the team are looking for further success in Birmingham.
Middlemiss added: “Team Scotland are more than just medals. We have so many inspirational athletes across the 18 sports.
“They all have their own stories and their own aims for these Games, and we are just really hopeful they perform at their best and achieve what they are looking for.
“I have no doubt those performances will bring medals and we will have another very successful Commonwealth Games.
“It is the one and only opportunity the athletes get to represent Team Scotland at a multi-sport Games and they are really proud and really excited by it.
“You can see that by the number of top athletes who are priorities the Commonwealth Games even in their ever busy summer schedule.”
The Commonwealth Games will be held in Birmingham from July 28 until the August 8, 2022.
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