Perth sprinter Lois Garland produced a terrific performance at the Scottish Student Athletics Indoor Championships.
Representing UHI Perth, she claimed 200 metres gold - as well as a new championship record and personal best - in a time of 24.36.
Garland, who has proudly previously raced for Scotland, powered across the finish line at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow ahead of Rebecca Matheson of Robert Gordon University (24.54) and Rachel Callan of Strathclyde University (24.85).
The success arrived off the back of solid form and has provided a great boost heading towards the summer season.
“Last season was frustrating for Lois due to injury, however, her resilience and tenacity really came to the fore,” said sprint coach Alan Erickson.
“For this season’s cycle we started full training back in October. From the start it was clear that there was a renewed focus from Lois, bringing with it an increased drive and determination. Training over the last four months went well.
“There was a difficult period in December where the cold weather meant we had to move to plan B, but other than that we knew it was going in the right direction.
“There were a couple of competitions prior to these championships where performances were good and consistent. When consistency happens you just need to be really patient.”
On the 200m final performance, Erickson said that Garland “attacked from start to finish” to storm to top spot.
“Lois built up well throughout the rounds,” he added. “It’s definitely the most comfortable and controlled that I have seen Lois over 200m and at a championship event.
“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.”
Erickson continued: “It’s incredibly rewarding to work with competitive athletes and to see performances like this. It’s all about the journey
“I’ve worked with Lois since she was 14, and to have been part of navigating her athletic development process over the years has been a real privilege.
“It’s never a straight clear path to a personal best, you always experience challenges, however, the learning from these challenges builds a stronger athlete and a more knowledgeable coach.”
For former St John’s Academy pupil Garland, there is little time to bask in the glory of her gold medal-winning performance as it was back down to the track in preparation for the next big event.
“Lois is competing in the British University Indoor Championships next weekend (February 24-26) where she will be racing over 60m and 200m,” Erickson revealed.
“It will then be on to the outdoor season in May where championships will be the focus and the 100m will also come into play. The main aim is always to remain healthy and to be faster.”
