Glasgow 2014

Diane Ramsay, from Milton of Campsie, was just 14 when she heard that Glasgow had secured the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

But from that moment on the budding young athlete was determined to be among the athletes taking part.

And after an intense training regime, the 21-year-old has finally earned the right to represent Scotland at this summer’s event.

She said: “It’s amazing to be selected.

“There is such an excitement ahead of the games and it’s great to be part of it.

“I remember when I first heard the games would be in Glasgow in 2014.

“I was sitting in my standard grade maths class and 
the first thing I said to myself was ‘I wonder if I could compete there’?

“That was about six years ago so it has been quite a journey to get here.

“I’m glad to say the training has paid off and I can now look forward to the games.”

Diane has already made a name for herself in Scottish athletics with a handful of national titles in sprint competitions.

Her personal best time for the 400m has also been steadily improving this year, having already recorded five new records since January.

She recorded her current PB just last month with a competitive time of 53.61.

However, Diane remains hopeful of shaving off a few tenths of a second over the coming weeks.

Although Diane normally trains as an individual 400m runner, this summer she will compete in the 4x400m relay event.

She will run alongside fellow youngsters Zoey Clark (19) and Kirsten McAslan (20) as well as the more experienced Gemma Nicol who has appeared at two previous Commonwealth Games events.

And while the team can expect tough competition, Diane is confident Scotland is more than capable of taking the win.

She added: “We should do well at the games, although we will be up against some really strong sides in the English, Jamaicans and Nigerians.

“But we have some great runners as well and we are capable of taking a medal in the event.”