Scots athletes gear up for Olympics after year delay

With 100 days to go until this summer’s Olympics, Scottish athletes are getting their final preparations under way for the delayed 32nd event.

The pandemic forced organisers to postpone the major international event until this summer, with the Tokyo games only allowing spectators from Japan to attend.

Midlothian Canoeist Bradley Forbes-Cryans had to swap the choppy waters of the slalom for the living room floor as his creativity allowed him to continue training during lockdown.

Bradley caught Covid-19 in December, which kept him out the water even longer, but is eyeing a medal at his first Olympics.

He said: “When I got selected for my first Olympics in September 2019 I just could not have imagined what was actually going to come between me and that actual start line.

“When we were allowed to get back on the water due to the elite sporting rules I felt super rusty and just didn’t know how I was going to be prepared for the Olympic games.

‘When I got selected for my first Olympics in September 2019 I just could not have imagined what was actually going to come between me and that actual start line’
Canoeist Bradley Forbes-Cryans

“But now having come out the other side of that and having Covid-19 myself, now I feel like I am in a really strong position.”

Elsewhere, despite securing her place at the games last year, Zoey Clark is having to re-qualify for Tokyo this summer.

The runner may have had to get used to training in fields last year but says the extra time to prepare could make the difference.

She said: “It’s weird to say but I think I might be in a better place now than last year.

“Every single season we kind of just get into this routine and you start taking things for granted, so having a year without that really gave me the drive and motivation.

“I think mentally more than anything has put me in a really good place with 100 days to go.”

Aberdeen’s Luke Patience is aiming to replicate his silver medal winning performance of London 2012.

Due to the pandemic, organisers have confirmed no overseas fans will be able to attend the games.

Luke says nothing will compare to London 2012 – but not having friends and family with them on their Olympic journey will be disappointing.

He said: “It’s a real shame because this really is the greatest show on earth and athletes love sharing that with their loved ones.

“The fact that there is people supporting you, behind you, just makes it that extra bit special so it’s shame they won’t be there.”

The opening ceremony gets underway way on Friday, July 23 and will run until the Sunday, August 8.