Laing draws a bead on medals

LAURENCEKIRK archer James Laing has been selected for Scotland’s 10-strong archery team for October’s Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

The 48-year-old, who took up the sport when he was in his mid-30s, said: “To compete in a major games like this is what I’ve always wanted to do and this is my first chance to compete in something as big as this so I am thrilled.”

Laing has been interested in archery every since watching films as a child. But it wasn’t until he moved house to Portlethen and read about archery evening classes he decided to try it.

“I have done it ever since and I still feel I’m improving,” said Laing, who has since competed extensively abroad including in both Calcutta and Delhi last year.

Supporting Laing is the Grampian Institute of Sport, part of sportscotland’s institute of sport area network, which focuses on preparing Scotland’s best athletes to perform on the world stage by providing high-performance expertise.

“Since I’ve been with the institute I have been doing a lot more fitness training and I believe it helps. I feel fitter and stronger than I was,” said Laing.

Also in the archery team is Montrose veteran Simon Needham.

Needham has major Games experience, having competed for Great Britain in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney as well as European and world championships.

Needham’s experience should greatly benefit the whole Scottish team.

Laing added: “This will be the first time my generation has had this opportunity.

“I think it’s going to be tough, but we feel there is a chance we will get medals. We are going with the hope we have a medal chance.”