A Lanarkshire Highland Games competitor battled through travel troubles to claim a whole host of medals at the Masters World Championships.
Paul Dearie, originally from Shotts but now living in Carluke, set off for New Brunswick in Canada hopeful of glory after seeing his bid for the world title last year thwarted due to the US Covid travel ban.
And despite some problems with transport once again, it wasn’t enough to stop Paul winning two golds, four silver and a bronze medals at the Games as well as placing second overall.
He said: “It was a bit of a relief just to be competing after what happened last year but we had problems with the flights.
“We were delayed for three hours and then missed our connection. On the way back they lost my throwing gear, if that had happened going then I wouldn’t have been able to compete!
“I thought I had a chance in certain events but I wasn’t sure how I would do in the overall standings, it was a bit of an unknown but I was delighted.”
Paul claimed gold in the 16lb and 22lb hammer events and was flying going into the second day of competition.
“I was fifth in the caber and that put me down to third overall,” said Paul.
“Going into the last event I had a chance of winning it but I needed results to go my way which didn’t happen.
“But overall I was pleased with my showing and I’m thankful for the Shotts Highland Games Committee who sponsored me to compete out there. I was pleased to tell Walter Weir who has been a long time athlete and judge at Shotts Highland Games and spent a lot of time teaching me how to throw when I first started.
Robert Williams, Chairman and Treasurer of Shotts Highland Games Association said: “It was a pleasure and a privilege for our Association to support Paul through sponsorship for this prestigious event.
“Paul continues to work with a number of heavy event athletes from all over Scotland to keep these traditional Scottish events alive.
“He did himself proud during his time in competition in Canada and he did our Association proud, along with the Shotts community, representing Scotland in the Masters Worlds Highland Games.
“He was also welcome as a competitor for his friendly and sporting manner which has made us all proud of him.
“I’m sure he will be asked to represent his country again and we will be happy to continue to support him when possible.”
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