Olympian MSP hails Ayr's new sporting complex as a 'godsend'
dailyrecord.co.ukA decorated retired athlete turned MSP has hailed Ayr’s new sports arena as a ‘godsend’. The Riverside Sports Arena, at Craigie in Ayr, was officially opened last week offering athletes and aspiring sporting stars brand new indoor and outdoor training spaces to excel in a variety of sports.
The £8.5 million facility includes an eight-lane 400m running track, a six-lane 60m indoor running track, a field events area and a 3G all-weather pitch.
Olympian MSP Brian Whittle, who was born and grew up in Troon and ran with Ayr Seaforth, has represented Great Britain 45 times, including at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul.
He bagged gold medals in the 4x400m relay at the 1986 and 1994 European Athletics Championships and is probably most famous for running his leg of the 1986 Championships with only one shoe – while still managing to achieve a personal best.Brian, now a South Scotland MSP and athletics coach, said of the new Riverside Sports Arena: “This is a bit of a godsend.
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