Aberdeen rhythmic gymnast Rebecca Bee achieved a lifetime goal after yesterday being named in the Scottish team to compete at the Commonwealth Games.
The 21-year-old won her third Scottish senior title as part of the Beacon Rhythmic gymnastics club in Armadale, West Lothian last month and is part of a team of three who will represent their country at The Hydro from Thursday, July 24 to Saturday, July 26.
Hours of gruelling training sessions have paid off for Bee who will team up with Lauren Brash (Living- ston) and Victoria Clow (Giffnock) at the Games.
She said: “It is a bit surreal, it is the culmination of many years of training. I started out very young in gymnastics. I did Kindergym which is a parent and toddler class when I was 18 months old. I always knew it was a possibility, but to finally see my name on the team list was great.
“It is very rare to have a home event like this and it is fantastic it has fallen for me at the right time when I am at my peak. It is unique, it is once in a lifetime.
“Any Games would be a fabulous experience, but as it is in Scotland the crowd will be behind us and a lot of my family will be able to be there. Regardless of where it was being held in the world my parents Frank and Louise would be there.
“They would not miss it for the world. As it is in Glasgow the rest of the family can come along and support me as well. It is good for them to be able to share the experience with me as they have all made sacrifices to help me and it will intensify the atmosphere even more. Knowing the majority of the people in the arena will be Scottish should give us an extra boost.”
Bee is prepared to train hard and hopes her efforts will pay off when the competition begins.
She added: “There are still improvements to be made, but I am happy with where I am at just now and it is just a case of working hard and pushing myself.
“The team event also acts as the qualifying for the individual events and will determine whether I get into four individual events.
“Everyone has aspirations of medal success, but if I am being honest it is too early to say just now.
“There are three months to go and a lot can change in that time.
“I will be working as hard as possible and if I do that I am confident I will have every chance of success.
“If you train correctly the results will follow.
“I can’t get carried away by thinking that I want a medal hanging round my neck.
“Nothing is guaranteed for anybody. The margin for error in my sport is miniscule and you really have to focus.
“It will be inspiring to hopefully leave a bit of a legacy with what we achieve.”