A boxer from the north-east is set to represent her country at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Lynn Calder started boxing as a way to return to fitness after breaking her ankle in a game of rugby, but has proven to be so proficient at the sport that she could now fight in Australia for Scotland.
Her first fight was in 2011 and she has since represented Scotland internationally in Spain, Poland and Germany.
As part of Boxing Scotland’s build-up to the Games, a select group of boxers are vying for spots on the final team.
To prove herself, Miss Calder is completing her training in her dad’s purpose-built basement gym at home, as well as using facilities in Aberdeen, Dundee, Scotland, Shotts and Wishaw.
She said: “I want to motivate people in achieving their dreams because neither I, nor anyone else, would have thought I would become an internationalist at this sport, which is strict with training and disciplined with nutrition.”
Mike Keane, national coach and performance director of Boxing Scotland, added: “She is working with the Scottish Institute of Sport alongside 24 boxers who receive strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, performance, lifestyle and nutrition advice.
There is no official Commonwealth Games programme yet, and selection will start in around 18 months time.”
Miss Calder had previously worked as an electrical engineer before turning to full-time training in the gym.
Since then, she has supported herself with coaching jobs through Active Schools, security stewarding and piping – a passion which has earned her the nickname ‘The Bagpiping Boxer’.
To date, Miss Calder has won several accolades for her skill in the ring.
These include silver at the 2012 and 2013 Harringey Box Cup in London; Scottish Novice Champion 2013; and Scottish Intermediate Champion in both 2013 and 2014.
Most recently, she won the Scottish Open Championship for the second year in a row and Sweden’s annual Golden Girl boxing competition.
She said: “I am very grateful for the support which has been given to me by so many people – my mum, dad, coaches, sportscotland, Aberdeenshire Sports Council, and my friends.”