Sprint Squad athletes take to the track for the 100m
Over the past three years Merlin has sponsored this talented group of runners and all of them have developed, delivering some exceptional results. When Merlin first met with Sprint Squad Head Coach Alan Erickson in 2021, he explained that group was dedicated but under-resourced. They had the talent and determination to compete at higher levels but lacked the specialised equipment needed to maximise their training and results. Recognising the potential in the squad, Merlin agreed a comprehensive sponsorship plan to support the athletes and their coaches.
Stretching on the mats
Resistance band warm-up
Now in 2024, and equipped with the further training aids, Sprint Squad has built variety into their training regime. The additional equipment that includes weighted vests, resistance bands and medicine balls, has allowed the athletes to push their limits further and the coaches to include new exercises, whilst using mats for stretching and warming up to minimise the risk of injury.
Owen Leonard
One of the athletes in Sprint Squad is Owen Leonard, a 18-year-old sprinter who is currently ranked among the top five in Scotland in the U20 category for the 100m. Owen possesses immense potential and recently competed at the Scottish Athletics National U20 Championships in Grangemouth, where he finished 2nd in the 100m. Owen has recorded 10.80s for the 100m this season.
Lois Garland
Rising star Lois Garland put down a marker for the squad this year. Lois won gold in the 200m at the Scottish Athletics Senior Championships, retaining her title from last year. This victory is the latest in a string of successes for Lois, who also competed at the UK Athletics Senior Championships in Manchester, featuring some of the best athletes in Britain.
Ron Ramage, Managing Director of Merlin
“It is inspiring to see Sprint Squad’s continuing success. The Merlin team get regular updates on the results and are delighted to see the progress being made.”
Ron Ramage, Managing Director of Merlin, said, “It is inspiring to see Sprint Squad’s continuing success. The Merlin team get regular updates on the results and are delighted to see the progress being made. It is nice to know that Merlin, in some small way, has helped achieve that. We plan to continue our sponsorship and look forward to hearing about future progress and development.”
Sprint Squad and it’s coaches along with some of their sponsors from Merlin
Beyond the additional training equipment, Merlin’s sponsorship has allowed Sprint Squad to step onto the track in style. The team now proudly wears fully branded clothing, featuring their initials and the distinctive Sprint Squad and Merlin logo, providing the squad with a keen sense of team identity.
Merlin’s Technical Development Director, Stewart McGregor and Sprint Squad Head coach Alan Erickson
 
