The son of a darts star who was killed in a car crash has become the first Scottish schoolboy to reach the final of the European boxing championships.
Cameron Whyte, 14, was due to arrive back home in Spean Bridge, Lochaber, last night with the silver medal that he won at the event in Zagreb, Croatia, on Sunday.
His father Bryan Whyte, 34, had been on the verge of his Scotland debut after being called up to the national darts team when he died in a crash on the A82 Fort William to Inverness road in February 2014.
The accident at Torlundy happened just weeks before he was due to marry Dawn Gordon, mother of Cameron and their three other children, Tyler, Innes and Katlyn.
Cameron’s impressive achievement in Croatia, where he was only beaten by Russian champion Tamerlan Aiubov, followed an outstanding season in which he won the Northern District title, the Scottish title and the British title.
Ms Gordon said: “I am so pleased for Cameron and very proud of him.
“It’s amazing what he’s done when he’s only 14.
“He’s obviously very talented, but he also puts in a lot of commitment.
“He usually trains five times a week but, in the run up to big competitions, he trains twice a day and goes to Boxing Scotland’s Scottish High Performance Centre in Glasgow once a month.”
She added that she was sure Cameron’s father would also have been delighted with his achievements.
Ms Gordon said: “His dad would be so proud.
“As well as darts, Bryan played golf and shinty and I think Cameron takes after him in his commitment and dedication to his sport.”
She added that she had not been able to travel to Croatia with her son, but spoke to him soon after the final.
She said: “I wanted to make sure he wasn’t upset that he didn’t win gold, but he was fine.
“He was absolutely chuffed to have won the silver.
“He just takes each tournament as it comes, but I think he’s looking forward to a rest now after the European championships and the British championships last month, which he won.”
Next year, Cameron is expected to move up from competing as a schoolboy to the youth competitions.
Niall Clark, head coach of Fort William-based Lochaber Phoenix Boxing Club, pointed out that Cameron had made boxing history by reaching the final of the European championships.
He said: “Cameron can be satisfied that he has made his mark in a big way on the international stage.”
