Athletics: Inverclyde win two gold medals in Kirkcaldy

It was a memorable day for all who came along to see the club take home a top prize in two different races as Potrykus and Millie McClelland-Brooks were head and shoulders above their competitors in Fife.

Ben took the honours in the U'20s race (Image: Bobby Gavin) Millie McClelland-Brooks was on top form (Image: supplied) Potrykus crossed the line in first place in the senior men’s race over four kilometres, which was final event of the day.

He crossed the line two seconds ahead of Jamie Crowe from Central Athletics Club to win the title for the second time and give Inverclyde their second gold medal of the afternoon.

Potrykus' efforts followed on from clubmate from McClelland–Brooks, who took the Under 20 title in the previous race which included senior women and was also over four kilometres. 

Her overall fifth place finish added to her previous three titles, which include winning the Under 15’s and Under 17's twice.

Millie earned her place at the top of the podium (Image: Bobby Gavin)

Taking top spot on the podium four years on the bounce is superb record for both Millie and coach Norrie Hay.

For Potrykus, this performance put what he considered to be a poor result at the recent National XC Relays to rest.

Feeling good after the first 30 seconds, which is often described by athletes as brutal given the pace of the starting charge, he grew in confidence as the race progressed and once he had overtaken Jamie Crowe going into the final stage, he knew he had the strength to hold first place and regain the title he won in 2022.

Millie’s teammates, Nynke Mulholland-Stummer, finished in a creditable 16th place and with support from Maisie Watson and Kay Greg, who were competing in the event for the first time, the women’s team finished in 10th place.

Robert Paterson finished just out of the medals in fourth place for the over 50 category with David Tamburini not far behind in eighth. Returning to racing, Alan Callan was happy with his performance and how he managed the race.

In the first event of the day, it was agony for Inverclyde’s Under 15's girls, who finished in a highly commendable fourth, just missing a medal position.

Grace Barry's fifth place finish led the team home with Olivia Lyne coming home in 14th with Cara McDougall, Molly Farish and Pearl Paterson all showing strong finishes to support the team.

Grace Barry was on top form (Image: Bobby Gavin) Inverclyde AC Under 15's (Image: supplied)

Charlie Lyne was the only Under 15's boy available on the day and continues to show progress with each race.

A bonus for the athletes was the presence of role model and idol Laura Muir, who had been invited for a special reallocation medal ceremony where Ian Beattie Chair of UK Athletics presented her with the bronze medal for her European Indoors 3000m race in 2015.

Due to a subsequent doping violation by the original winner whose results were then removed, Laura received her medal nine years late to the cheers and applause of her family and the home crowd of Scottish athletes.

Laura took time to chat, sign vest numbers and have her photo taken with fans both before and after the special event.

Inverclyde’s Grace Barrie & Olivia Lyne were among those fortunate enough to have their photo taken with Laura, who also signed their bib numbers.

A club spokesperson added: "Many thanks to club coaches, Rhona Bushfield, Kay Cooke, Gerry Gaffney, Norrie Hay, Janice Hendrie, Mark Pollard who support these athletes.

"The next event in the Cross Country calendar is the West district Championships being held at Barrwood Park, Erskine on Saturday, November 30."