Gold for Sprint Squad Athlete in 200m Event
Lois Garland produced a terrific performance during the Scottish Student Athletics Indoor Championships last week at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow. Lois trains with Sprint Squad, a Merlin sponsored athletics group based in Perth that is focussed on long-term athlete development, building confidence and character. The athletes have their favoured events, but generally compete over 60m, 100m, 200m, 300m, 400m and 800m.
Representing UHI Perth, Lois claimed the 200 metres gold in a time of 24.36s, along with a new championship record and personal best.
Lois winning the 200m sprint
Sprint Squad head coach Alan Erickson was full of praise on her performance, saying that Lois had “attacked from start to finish” to storm to top spot. Alan continued by saying “Frustration with injury last season has brought a renewed focus from Lois, bringing with it an increased drive and determination. Improvements in training were visible and we were both confident.
Lois just had to go out there, be patient and execute her race plan. To navigate three rounds, win the gold medal, break the championship record, and achieve a new personal best was impressive. It’s given Lois the confidence to try and push that time down even further.”
“To navigate three rounds, win the gold medal, break the championship record, and achieve a new personal best was impressive.”
Sprint Squad head coach Alan Erickson (right)
“Lois is competing down in Sheffield this weekend at the British University Indoor Championships. This is the last indoor competition this season. All the other squad athletes have finished their indoor seasons already. We will be transitioning into a shorter off-season in preparation for the busy outdoor season which starts in May. Athletes have been reviewing their goals and are re-focussing. The main general aim is always to remain healthy and get faster.”
Merlin MD Ron Ramage
“All of the hard work and well-deserved results are down to the athletes and their coaches.”
Merlin is proud to have introduced sponsorship of the group in early 2022. Managing Director Ron Ramage and the Perth-based staff went to meet the athletes late last year, and all left the track feeling inspired.
Ron commented “All of the hard work and well-deserved results are down to the athletes and their coaches; the sponsorship simply provides additional kit or equipment that hopefully makes their lives a bit easier”.
“We are excited to support Lois and the rest of the Squad, and to help them reach their goals. It’s a privilege to be part of the Squad’s journey and to see the sprinters continue to develop, build confidence, and to inspire others in the community to do the same”.
The Merlin team want to congratulate Lois on this outstanding achievement, and to wish the rest of the Squad the best of luck with their upcoming events!
 
